erythromycin topical (Rx)

Brand and Other Names:AkneMycin, Ery

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

Dosage Forms & Strengths

topical ointment (AkneMycin)

  • 2%

topical pads (Ery)

  • 2%

topical solution

  • 2%

topical gel

  • 2%

Acne Vulgaris

Apply topically BID (morning and evening) to affected areas after skin is thoroughly washed and patted dry

Safety and efficacy not established

Next:

Adverse Effects

Frequency Not Defined

Contact sensitization

Dryness

Erythema

Skin irritation

Skin tenderness

Previous
Next:

Warnings

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity

Cautions

For external use only; avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes

Concomitant topical acne therapy may result in cumulative irritation, especially with the use of peeling, desquamating, or abrasive agents; if this occurs, discontinue and seek medical advice

Although limited systemic absorption occurs with topical erythromycin, antibiotics may be associated with the overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms; if this occurs, discontinue use and contact physician

Previous
Next:

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category: B

Lactation: Unknown if excreted in breast milk; use with caution

Pregnancy Categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

Previous
Next:

Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action

The exact mechanism by which erythromycin reduce lesions of acne vulgaris is not fully known

Erythromycin: Inhibits protein synthesis in susceptible organisms by reversibly binding to 50 S ribosomal subunits, thereby inhibiting translocation of aminoacyl transfer-RNA and inhibiting polypeptide synthesis

Previous
Next:

Images

No images available for this drug.
Previous
Next:

Patient Handout

A Patient Handout is not currently available for this monograph.
Previous
Next:

Formulary

FormularyPatient Discounts

Adding plans allows you to compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.

To view formulary information first create a list of plans. Your list will be saved and can be edited at any time.

Adding plans allows you to:

  • View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
  • Manage and view all your plans together – even plans in different states.
  • Compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
  • Access your plan list on any device – mobile or desktop.

The above information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Individual plans may vary and formulary information changes. Contact the applicable plan provider for the most current information.

Tier Description
1 This drug is available at the lowest co-pay. Most commonly, these are generic drugs.
2 This drug is available at a middle level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "preferred" (on formulary) brand drugs.
3 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs.
4 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
5 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
6 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
NC NOT COVERED – Drugs that are not covered by the plan.
Code Definition
PA Prior Authorization
Drugs that require prior authorization. This restriction requires that specific clinical criteria be met prior to the approval of the prescription.
QL Quantity Limits
Drugs that have quantity limits associated with each prescription. This restriction typically limits the quantity of the drug that will be covered.
ST Step Therapy
Drugs that have step therapy associated with each prescription. This restriction typically requires that certain criteria be met prior to approval for the prescription.
OR Other Restrictions
Drugs that have restrictions other than prior authorization, quantity limits, and step therapy associated with each prescription.
Additional Offers
Email to Patient

From:

To:

The recipient will receive more details and instructions to access this offer.

By clicking send, you acknowledge that you have permission to email the recipient with this information.

Email Forms to Patient

From:

To:

The recipient will receive more details and instructions to access this offer.

By clicking send, you acknowledge that you have permission to email the recipient with this information.

Previous
Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.