Erythromycin is an active pharmaceutical ingredient in the Macrolides group (J01FA). The information below is compiled per regulator from the product labels on record, with direct links to the original documents.
GBOfficial regulatory label· revised March 6, 2026[1]
For the prophylaxis and treatment of infections caused by Erythromycin-sensitive organisms. 1). Erythromycin is highly effective in the treatment of a great variety of clinical infections such as: 1.
Upper respiratory tract infections:
Tonsillitis, peritonsillar abscess, pharyngitis, laryngitis, sinusitis, secondary infections in influenza and common colds. 2.
USOfficial regulatory label· revised October 11, 2024[2]
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Erythromycin Topical Solution USP, 2% is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.
How to take
US
CACanada· Health Canada
7 products
Who should not take it
CAOfficial regulatory label· Contraindications· revised March 22, 2025[3]
Erythromycin and its derivatives should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to these drugs or any ingredient in the formulations or with infections that are resistant to the drug (primarily certain Staphylococci organisms).
ADVERSE EFFECTS Serious allergic reactions to erythromycin have been extremely infrequent. Mild allergic reactions, such as urticaria and morbilliform skin rashes have occurred. Should a patient demonstrate signs of hypersensitivity, administer appropriate countermeasures such as epinephrine, corticosteroid and antihistamines, and withdraw the antibiotic.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION In the treatment of external ocular infections, apply the ointment directly to the infected structure one or more times daily, depending on the severity of the infection. 5 to 1 cm in length should be instilled into each conjunctival sac.
Drug interactions
Known interactions involving Erythromycin. Select one for details. This list is informational and not a complete interaction checker.
Showing 240 of 600. Type above to find a specific drug.
Interaction data compiled from DDInter (academic, CC-BY). Severity classification only - this is not a complete interaction checker and not medical advice.
[1]MHRA (UK) · PL163630019 · revised March 6, 2026
[2]FDA DailyMed · 00c4f27e-59e2-41… · revised October 11, 2024 [PDF]
[3]Health Canada (DPD) · 02326663 · revised March 22, 2025
[4]OpenFDA adverse-event reports (US), 12 months ending June 4, 2026.
Information on this page is compiled from public regulatory records. Drugvu is not affiliated with any regulator or pharmaceutical manufacturer. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
9. Other infections: osteomyelitis, urethritis, gonorrhoea, syphilis, lymphogranuloma venereum, diphtheria, prostatitis, scarlet fever Consideration should be given to official guidance on the appropriate use of antimicrobial agents.
How to take
GBOfficial regulatory label· revised March 6, 2026[1]
Posology:
Adults and children over 8 years: For mild to moderate infections 1-2g daily in divided doses. Up to 4g daily in severe infections.
Elderly:
No special dosage recommendations.
Paediatric population:
Note: For younger children, infants and babies erythromycin ethylsuccinate suspensions, are normally recommended. The recommended dose for children aged 2- 8 years, for mild to moderate infections, is 1 gram daily in divided doses. The recommended dose for infants and babies, for mild to moderate infections, is 500 mg daily in divided doses.
For severe infections doses may be doubled.
Method of administration:
For Oral administration
This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Side effects & warnings
GBOfficial regulatory label· Adverse reactions· revised March 6, 2026[1]
The list of undesirable effects shown below is presented by system organ class, MedDRA preferred term, and frequency using the following frequency conventions: Rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000) Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data) System Organ Class Frequency Adverse reactions Infections and infestations Rare *Pseudomembranous colitis Blood and lymphatic system disorders Not known Eosinophilia.
Immune system disorders Not known Allergic reactions ranging from urticaria and mild skin eruptions to anaphylaxis have occurred. Psychiatric disorders Not known Hallucinations Nervous system disorders Not known **Seizures, confusion, and vertigo Eye disorders Not known Mitochondrial Optic Neuropathy Ear and labyrinth disorders Not known Deafness, tinnitus ***Reversible hearing loss Cardiac disorders Not known QTc interval prolongation, torsades de pointes, palpitations, and cardiac rhythm disorders including ventricular tachyarrhythmias.
Cardiac arrest, ventricular fibrillation. Vascular disorders Not known Hypotension. Gastrointestinal disorders Not known Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. 4), hepatomegaly, hepatic dysfunction, cholestatic hepatitis, jaundice. Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders Not known Acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP).
Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiforme, angioedema, skin eruptions, pruritus, urticaria, exanthema. Renal and urinary disorders Not known Interstitial nephritis General disorders and Administration site conditions Not known Chest pain, fever, malaise.
Investigations Not known Increased liver enzyme values. 4). ** There have been isolated reports of transient central nervous system side effects, however, a cause and effect relationship has not been established. *** There have been isolated reports, occurring chiefly in patients with renal insufficiency or high doses.
**** The most frequent side effects of oral erythromycin preparations are gastrointestinal and are dose-related. Paediatric population Frequency, type and severity of adverse reactions in children are expected to be the same as in adults.
Reporting of Suspected Adverse Reactions Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
GBOfficial regulatory label· Warnings and precautions· revised March 6, 2026[1]
Erythromycin is excreted principally by the liver, so caution should be exercised in administering the antibiotic to patients with impaired hepatic function or concomitantly receiving potentially hepatotoxic agents. Hepatic dysfunction including increased liver enzymes and/or cholestatic hepatitis, with or without jaundice, has been infrequently reported with erythromycin.
8). Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents including erythromycin, and may range in severity from mild diarrhoea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon, which may lead to overgrowth of C.
difficile. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhoea following antibiotic use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents.
There have been reports suggesting erythromycin does not reach the foetus in adequate concentrations to prevent congenital syphilis. Infants born to women treated during pregnancy with oral erythromycin for early syphilis should be treated with an appropriate penicillin regimen.
8). Fatalities have been reported. Erythromycin should be used with caution in the following − Patients with coronary artery disease, severe cardiac insufficiency, conduction disturbances or clinically relevant bradycardia. 8). Epidemiological studies investigating the risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes with macrolides have shown variable results.
Some observational studies have identified a rare short term risk of arrhythmia, myocardial infarction and cardiovascular mortality associated with macrolides including erythromycin. Consideration of these findings should be balanced with treatment benefits when prescribing erythromycin.
There have been reports that erythromycin may aggravate the weakness of patients with myasthenia gravis. Erythromycin interferes with the fluorometric determination of urinary catecholamines. Rhabdomyolysis with or without renal impairment has been reported in seriously ill patients receiving erythromycin concomitantly with statins.
Infantile pyloric stenosis There have been reports of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) occurring in infants following erythromycin therapy. Epidemiological studies including data from meta-analyses suggest a 2-3-fold increase in the risk of IHPS following exposure to erythromycin in infancy.
This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Who should not take it
GBOfficial regulatory label· Contraindications· revised March 6, 2026[1]
1. − Erythromycin is contraindicated in patients taking simvastatin, tolterodine, mizolastine, amisulpride, astemizole, terfenadine, domperidone, cisapride or pimozide. − Erythromycin is contraindicated with ergotamine and dihydroergotamine.
5).
This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Erythromycin Topical Solution USP, 2% should be applied over the affected areas twice a day (morning and evening) after the skin is thoroughly washed with warm water and soap and patted dry. Acne lesions on the face, neck, shoulders, chest, and back may be treated in this manner.
This medication should be applied with applicator top. If fingertips are used, wash hands after application. Drying and peeling may be controlled by reducing the frequency of applications.
This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Most-reported reactions to the US regulator (12 mo to June 4, 2026): 824 reports total. [4]
Eye Pain 95
Fatigue 84
Off Label Use 72
Diarrhoea 68
Arthralgia 64
Drug Ineffective 62
Headache 58
Dyspnoea 55
Abdominal Discomfort 53
Abdominal Pain 51
Asthma 50
Alopecia 49
Side effects & warnings
USOfficial regulatory label· Adverse reactions· revised October 11, 2024[2]
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.
USOfficial regulatory label· Warnings and precautions· revised October 11, 2024[2]
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.
This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Who should not take it
USOfficial regulatory label· Contraindications· revised October 11, 2024[2]
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Erythromycin Topical Solution USP, 2% is contraindicated in those individuals who have shown hypersensitivity to any of its components.
This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.
The ointment should not be flushed from the eye following installation. A new tube should be used for each infant. Infants born by cesarean section as well as those delivered by vaginal route should receive prophylaxis.
AVAILABILITY Each 1 g of sterile ophthalmic ointment contains:
Erythromycin (base) 5 mg in a Mineral Oil and Petrolatum. 5 g and unit dose tubes of 1 g in boxes of 50. STORAGE CONDITIONS Store at room temperature (15-30oC). Protect from freezing. Keep tightly closed. ERYTHROMYCIN ophthalmic ointment USP Patient Medication Information Page 4 of 6 READ THIS FOR SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF YOUR MEDICINE PATIENT MEDICATION INFORMATION Pr ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment USP 5mg / g Read this carefully before you start taking ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP and each time you get a refill.
This leaflet is a summary and will not tell you everything about this drug. Talk to your healthcare professional about your medical condition and treatment and ask if there is any new information about ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP.
What is ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP used for? ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP is used to treat bacterial eye infections. Antibacterial drugs like ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP treat only bacterial infections.
They do not treat viral infections. Although you may feel better early in the treatment, ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP should be used exactly as directed. Misuse or overuse of ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP could lead to the growth of bacteria that will not be killed by ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP (resistance).
This means that ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP may not work for you in the future. Do not share your medicine. How does ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP work? ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP is an antibiotic. It works by killing or stopping the growth of the bacteria that cause your infection.
What are the ingredients in ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP?
Medicinal ingredients:
Erythromycin Non-medicinal ingredients: Mineral oil, Petrolatum ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP comes in the following dosage forms: Ointment: 5mg / g Do not use ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP if you: Are allergic to erythromycin or any other ingredients of ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP Have infections that are resistant to this medication (bacteria will not be killed).
To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP.
These can be re-inserted 15 minutes after application of the ointment. Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines. ERYTHROMYCIN ophthalmic ointment USP Patient Medication Information Page 5 of 6 How to take ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP: Follow your doctor’s instruction carefully about how much ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP to apply and when to apply it.
Usual dose:
Apply the ointment directly into the affected eye(s) one or more times daily as directed by your doctor. Administration: 1. Wash hands before use. 2. Remove tube cap. 3. Tilt head up when looking in a mirror. 4. Gently pull down the lower eyelid until there is a “pocket” (see picture below).
5. 5-1 cm along in this pocket (see picture below). 6. Let go of the lower eyelid and close the eye for 30 seconds. 7. If you use ointment in both eyes, repeat the steps for the other eye. 8. To avoid contamination and injury, do not let the tip of the tube touch your eye.
9. If you are using another eye medicine, wait at least 15 minutes before applying the other medicine. 10. 5 g tube, close and tighten the cap. If you are using a 1 g single- use tube, discard tube after use.
Overdose:
In case of drug overdose, including ingestion, contact your healthcare professional, hospital emergency department or regional poison control centre, even if there are no symptoms.
Missed Dose:
If you forget to apply the ointment, simply apply it as soon as you remember. Then go back to the original schedule as directed by your doctor. Do not apply 2 doses to make up for the missed dose. What are possible side effects from using ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP?
These are not all the possible side effects you may feel when taking ERYTHROMYCIN Ophthalmic ointment USP. If you experience any side effects not listed here, contact your healthcare professional. ERYTHROMYCIN ophthalmic ointment USP Patient Medication Information Page 6 of 6 Side effects may include: Hives Skin rashes Serious side effects and what to do about them Symptom / effect Talk to your healthcare professional Stop taking drug and get immediate medical […]
This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.
This risk is highest following exposure to erythromycin during the first 14 days of life. 2%) following exposure to erythromycin during this time period. 2%. Since erythromycin may be used in the treatment of conditions in infants which are associated with significant mortality or morbidity (such as pertussis or chlamydia), the benefit of erythromycin therapy needs to be weighed against the potential risk of developing IHPS.
Parents should be informed to contact their physician if vomiting or irritability with feeding occurs. As with other macrolides, rare serious allergic reactions, including acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) have been reported.
If an allergic reaction occurs, the drug should be discontinued, and appropriate therapy should be instituted. Physicians should be aware that reappearance of the allergic symptoms may occur when symptomatic therapy is discontinued.
8). 5). Erythromycin Tablet contains sodium This medicine contains less than 1mmol sodium (23mg) per tablet, which is to say essentially ‘sodium free’