Erythromycin, Topical

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antiacne

Generic and brand names: erythromycin, topical; A/T/S; Akne-Mycin; Erycette; Eryderm 2%; Erygel; Erygel 6; Erymax; Ery-Sol; Erythraderm; Staticin; T-Stat 2%; Theramycin Z

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used on the skin to treat acne and other skin problems.

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your health care provider if you:

• are allergic to any medicine
• have diabetes.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your health care provider's approval.

How do I use it?

This medicine is for external use only. Use it only as directed by your health care provider, or according to the manufacturer's directions. Do not use it more often than directed.

Before you apply the medicine, wash your skin with mild soap and warm water. Rinse and pat dry with a soft towel.

Put a thin layer of medicine on the area where you need it. Using too much medicine or using it too often can increase the risk of side effects from absorption into your body. Do not rub it in. Do not bandage or cover the area unless your health care provider tells you to.

Keep this medicine away from your eyes. If it does get in your eyes, flush them with water right away.

Do not apply or store this medicine near heat or an open flame.

Do not apply this medicine to sunburned skin, open cuts, or bruised skin.

If your health care provider prescribes another medicine to use on your skin, use it at least 1 hour before or after this medicine.

What should I watch out for?

If the medicine causes severe irritation, contact your health care provider. Your acne may improve within 10 days, or it may take 4 to 6 weeks to see complete results. Contact your health care provider or pharmacist for advice if you are concerned.

Keep this medicine away from your eyes, nose, and mouth because it can irritate these areas. If you get some medicine into your eyes, nose, or mouth, flush with lots of cool tap water.

Do not use ammoniated mercury on your skin at the same time as this medicine. It may cause a bad odor and stain your skin black. If you have any questions, ask your health care provider or pharmacist.

If you have a dark complexion, report any changes of skin color to your health care provider right away.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your health care provider right away. If you cannot reach your health care provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your health care provider): Severe irritation or rash that begins after you use the medicine.

Other: Dry skin, peeling skin, burning, itching.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking:

• ammoniated mercury for your skin
• peeling or abrasive products
• strong or abrasive soaps, products containing alcohol, medicated cosmetics, and other acne medicines.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicines in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.