Erygel

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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.

Medications can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods. In the case of erythromycin, there are no specific foods that you must exclude from your diet when receiving this medication.

Oral:

Take erythromycin exactly as prescribed.

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.

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

Topical:

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

Injectable:

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

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses of erythromycin at the same time.

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.

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.

In controlled clinical trials, the incidence of burning associated with ERYGEL® (erythromycin topical gel) Topical Gel was approximately 25%. The following additional 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 the topical use of erythromycin. Ageneralized urticarial reaction, possibly related to the use of erythromycin, which required systemic steroid therapy has been reported.

Read the entire FDA prescribing information for Erygel (Erythromycin Topical Gel)

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 your 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.

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

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.

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Erygel. 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.

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.
• Talk with the doctor before starting any new drug, including prescription or OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take Erygel or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to Erygel. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

Review Date: December 6, 2017