FDA-approved label information
Reproduced from the FDA Structured Product Label via the openFDA API. Label version: October 11, 2024.
- Status
- Human Prescription Drug
- Brand names
- erythromycin
- Route
- Topical
- Drug class
- Macrolide [EPC], Macrolide Antimicrobial [EPC]
Description
DESCRIPTION Erythromycin Topical Solution USP, 2% contains erythromycin for topical dermatologic use. Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic produced from a strain of Saccaropolyspora erythraea (formerly Streptomyces erythreus ). It is a base and readily forms salts with acids. Chemically, erythromycin is: (3 R *,4 S *,5 S *,6 R *,7 R *,9 R *,11 R *,12 R *,13 S *,14 R *)-4-[(2,6-Dideoxy-3- C -methyl-3- 0 -methyl-α-L- ribo -hexopyranosyl)oxy]-14-ethyl-7,12,13-trihydroxy -3,5,7,9,11,13-hexamethyl-6-[[3,4,6-trideoxy-3-(dimethylamino)-ß-D- xylo -hexopyranosyl]oxy]oxacyclotetradecane-2,10-dione. It has the following structural formula: Molecular Formula: C 37 H 67 NO 13 Molecular Weight: 733.94 Erythromycin is a white or slightly yellow crystalline powder that is slightly soluble in water, freely soluble in alcohols, acetone, chloroform, acetonitrile, ethyl acetate, and moderately soluble in ether, ethylene dichloride and amyl acetate. Each mL of Erythromycin Topical Solution USP, 2% contains 20 mg of erythromycin base in a vehicle consisting of alcohol (66%), citric acid, and propylene glycol.
Indications and usage
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Erythromycin Topical Solution USP, 2% is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.
Contraindications
CONTRAINDICATIONS Erythromycin Topical Solution USP, 2% is contraindicated in those individuals who have shown hypersensitivity to any of its components.
Warnings (older label format)
WARNINGS Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with nearly all antibacterial agents, including erythromycin, and may range in severity from mild to life-threatening. Therefore, it is important to consider this diagnosis in patients who present with diarrhea subsequent to the administration of antibacterial agents. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon and may permit overgrowth of clostridia. Studies indicate that a toxin produced by Clostridium difficile is one primary cause of “antibiotic-associated colitis”. After the diagnosis of pseudomembranous colitis has been established, therapeutic measures should be initiated. Mild cases of pseudomembranous colitis usually respond to drug discontinuation alone. In moderate to severe cases, consideration should be given to management with fluids and electrolytes, protein supplementation and treatment with an antibacterial drug clinically effective against C. difficile colitis.
Adverse reactions
ADVERSE REACTIONS The following local adverse reactions have been reported occasionally: peeling, dryness, itching, erythema, and oiliness. Irritation of the eyes and tenderness of the skin have also been reported with topical use of erythromycin. Generalized urticarial reactions possibly related to the use of erythromycin, which required systemic steroid therapy have been reported.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy: Teratogenic Effects: Pregnancy Category B – There was no evidence of teratogenicity or any other adverse effect on reproduction in female rats fed erythromycin base (up to 0.25% of diet) prior to and during mating, during gestation and through weaning of two successive litters. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed. Erythromycin has been reported to cross the placental barrier in humans, but fetal plasma levels are generally low.
Paediatric use
Pediatric Use – Safety and effectiveness of this product in pediatric patients have not been established.
Source: US Food and Drug Administration, via the openFDA API. The FDA does not review, endorse or verify third-party reproductions of this data, and label information may have been updated since it was retrieved.
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