What is Erythromycin Topical?

Erythromycin topical is an antibiotic that fights skin infection caused by bacteria.
Erythromycin topical (for the skin) is used to treat bacterial infections such as severe acne.
Erythromycin topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Erythromycin Topical?

Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Wash your hands before and after using this medicine.
Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with erythromycin topical unless you doctor tells you to.
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, mouth, and nose, or on your lips. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse with water.
It may take up to 12 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 6 weeks of treatment.
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking erythromycin topical and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Erythromycin Topical?

You should not use erythromycin topical if you are allergic to it.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether erythromycin topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
Erythromycin topical can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not use this medicine on a child younger than 18 years old without the advice of a doctor.

Erythromycin Topical Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Erythromycin Topical?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using erythromycin topical and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

severe burning, stinging, or redness
oozing or other signs of skin infection
worsening of your skin condition; or
diarrhea that is watery or bloody

Less serious side effects may include:

mild skin irritation or tenderness
dry or oily skin
itching
peeling; or
mild eye irritation

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Erythromycin Topical Interactions

What other drugs affect Erythromycin Topical?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied erythromycin. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Erythromycin Topical?

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with erythromycin topical unless you doctor tells you to.
Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps or skin cleansers, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime.
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, mouth, and nose, or on your lips. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse with water.
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking erythromycin topical and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Erythromycin Topical Dosage

How should I take Erythromycin Topical?

Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Do not use erythromycin topical to treat any skin condition that has not been checked by your doctor.
Wash your hands before and after using this medicine.
Clean and dry the skin area before you apply erythromycin topical. Spread the medicine on lightly, without rubbing it in.
Erythromycin topical is usually applied once or twice daily. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
It may take up to 12 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 6 weeks of treatment.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the tube or bottle tightly closed when not in use.
The gel form of this medicine is flammable. Do not use near high heat or open flame.

What happens if I overdose on Erythromycin Topical?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What happens if I miss a dose of Erythromycin Topical?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com

Erythromycin Topical