Erythromycin topical is an antibiotic that fights skin infection caused by bacteria.

Erythromycin topical is used to treat bacterial infections such as severe acne.

Erythromycin topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.

Wash your hands before and after using this medication.

Clean and dry the skin area before you apply erythromycin topical. This medication is usually applied in the morning and evening. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

It may take several weeks of using this medication before you notice improvement in your condition. Do not stop using erythromycin topical if you do not see results right away.

Call your doctor if your condition does not improve within 6 weeks of using this medication.

Store erythromycin topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

There may be other drugs that can affect erythromycin topical. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps or shampoos or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime. Do not use other medicated skin products unless your doctor has told 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, wash with water. Do not use erythromycin topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin. Also avoid using this medication in open wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using erythromycin topical.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

An overdose of erythromycin topical applied to the skin is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

If you miss a dose, use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

It may take several weeks of using this medication before you notice improvement in your condition. Do not stop using erythromycin topical if you do not see results right away.

Call your doctor if your condition does not improve within 6 weeks of using this medication.

Avoid your eyes, nose, mouth, and lips when applying erythromycin topical. If medication gets in any of these areas, wash with water.

Stop using this medication and get emergency medical help if you think you have used too much medicine, or if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or is especially bothersome.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to erythromycin.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

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.

Your pharmacist has more information about erythromycin topical written for health professionals that you may read.

Erythromycin topical is available with a prescription under several different brands. Generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.