Emcin Clear

Erythromycin is a prescription medication used to treat infections caused by bacteria.

Erythromycin belongs to a group of drugs called macrolide antibiotics. These work by killing or stopping the growth of the bacteria that cause infections.

This medication comes in capsule, tablet, long-acting capsule, long-acting tablet, chewable tablet, suspension, and pediatric drop forms for oral use. It is usually taken 3 to 4 times daily.

This medication also comes in topical solution and gel forms and as an ophthalmic ointment.

Do not chew, divide, or break the long-acting capsules and tablets. Swallow these whole and take with a full glass of water.

This medication is also available in an injectable form to be given directly into a vein (IV) by a healthcare professional.

Common side effects of erythromycin include stomach upset, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, mild skin rash, and stomach pain.

Ophthalmic erythromycin can also cause blurred vision. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how erythromycin affects you.

Before taking erythromycin, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions. Especially tell your doctor if you:

• are allergic to erythromycin or to any of its ingredients
• are allergic to azithromycin (Zithromax), clarithromycin (Biaxin), or dirithromycin (Dynabac)
• have or have had yellowing of the skin or eyes
• have liver problems
• have heart problems
• have stomach problems, especially colitis
• are pregnant or breastfeeding

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

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 purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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.

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.

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.

• It is used to treat pimples (acne).

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Emcin Clear. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs or products on your skin.
• Use other pimple (acne) drugs with care. More skin irritation may happen.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this medicine while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Very bad skin irritation.
• Eye irritation.
• Diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and a certain bowel problem (colitis) have happened with Emcin Clear. Very bad colitis may lead to death. Call your doctor right away if you have stomach pain or cramps, very bad or watery diarrhea, or bloody diarrhea. Do not try to treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor.