pharmacopeia
GET
/api/v1/drug/erythromycin
2D structure
(3R,4S,5S,6R,7R,9R,11R,12R,13S,14R)-6-[(2S,3R,4S,6R)-4-(dimethylamino)-3-hydroxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl]oxy-14-ethyl-7,12,13-trihydroxy-4-[(2R,4R,5S,6S)-5-hydroxy-4-methoxy-4,6-dimethyloxan-2-yl]oxy-3,5,7,9,11,13-hexamethyl-oxacyclotetradecane-2,10-dione
SMILES CC[C@@H]1[C@@]([C@@H]([C@H](C(=O)[C@@H](C[C@@]([C@@H]([C@H]([C@@H]([C@H](C(=O)O1)C)O[C@H]2C[C@@]([C@H]([C@@H](O2)C)O)(C)OC)C)O[C@H]3[C@@H]([C@H](C[C@H](O3)C)N(C)C)O)(C)O)C)C)O)(C)O
InChIKey ULGZDMOVFRHVEP-RWJQBGPGSA-N

Mechanism of action

Sourced from openFDA

Mechanism-of-action class: Protein Synthesis Inhibitors.

Protein Synthesis

Indications

Sourced from openFDA
  • Erythromycin Topical Solution USP, 2% is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.ICD-10: L70.0

Contraindications

Sourced from openFDA
  • Erythromycin Topical Solution USP, 2% is contraindicated in those individuals who have shown hypersensitivity to any of its components.contraindicated

Dosage & administration

Sourced from openFDA

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.

Warnings & precautions

Sourced from openFDA

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.

Adverse reactions

Sourced from openFDA

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.

Use in specific populations

Sourced from openFDA

Pregnancy: Teratogenic Effects: Pregnancy Category B - There was no evidence of teratogenicity or any other adverse effect on reproduction in female rats fed erythromycin base (up to 0.25% of diet) prior to and during mating, during gestation and through weaning of two successive litters. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed. Erythromycin has been reported to cross the placental barrier in humans, but fetal plasma levels are generally low.

Approval history

Sourced from openFDA
  • Apr 2, 1965NDANDA050207Carnegie
  • Jul 11, 1972ANDAANDA061621Carnegie
  • Mar 3, 1975ANDAANDA061904Carnegie
  • Nov 27, 1978ANDAANDA062055Ani Pharms
  • Jan 26, 1981NDANDA050536Dr Reddys Labs Sa
  • Mar 29, 1982ANDAANDA062298Carnegie
  • Oct 26, 1984NDANDA050557Valeant Intl
  • Sep 24, 1986NDANDA050609Hospira

FAERS reports

View JSON
Reference statistics only. FAERS reports are voluntarily submitted and are not incidence rates, safety signals, or causal evidence. Counts reflect reporting volume — how often a reaction was reported, not how often it occurs. For decision-grade use, consult openFDA and the FAERS Public Dashboard directly.
18,907 total reports matchedLatest report Share = reports listing the reaction ÷ total matched reports. Rows can sum to >100% because a single report often lists multiple reactions.
  1. 1Drug Hypersensitivity4,14622%
  2. 2Nausea1,3016.9%
  3. 3Vomiting1,1496.1%
  4. 4Diarrhoea1,0975.8%
  5. 5Drug Ineffective1,0975.8%
  6. 6Dyspnoea1,0575.6%
  7. 7Fatigue1,0495.5%
  8. 8Rash1,0305.4%
  9. 9Off Label Use9755.2%
  10. 10Headache8834.7%
  11. 11Pain8004.2%
  12. 12Dizziness7944.2%
  13. 13Pyrexia7133.8%
  14. 14Malaise7083.7%
  15. 15Hypersensitivity6923.7%

Literature

View JSON

Recent PubMed references pinned to Erythromycin as a MeSH major topic. Citations link to pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

Clinical trials

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The 10 most recently updated of 997 ClinicalTrials.gov registrations naming Erythromycin as an intervention. Registration is not evidence of efficacy or safety — reference crosswalk only.

Structural analogs

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Ranked by 2D fingerprint (Tanimoto) similarity over PubChem structures. Structural proximity only — not a claim of therapeutic equivalence.

Frequently asked questions

How does Erythromycin work?
Mechanism-of-action class: Protein Synthesis Inhibitors.
What is Erythromycin used for?
According to FDA labeling, Erythromycin carries indications including: Erythromycin Topical Solution USP, 2% is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.. This is a reference summary of labeled uses, not medical advice or a treatment recommendation.
What class of drug is Erythromycin?
Erythromycin is classified as Antibiotics, Antiinfectives for treatment of acne, Macrolides, Macrolide, Macrolide Antimicrobial, Protein Synthesis Inhibitors, Decreased Protein Synthesis, Decreased Sebaceous Gland Activity.
What are the brand names for Erythromycin?
Erythromycin is marketed under brand names including Benzamycin, E.E.S., Emcin Clear, Emgel, Ery, Ery-Tab, EryPed, Erygel.
What are the contraindications for Erythromycin?
Erythromycin labeling lists contraindications including: Erythromycin Topical Solution USP, 2% is contraindicated in those individuals who have shown hypersensitivity to any of its components.. Always consult the full prescribing information and a clinician.
Note. Data for erythromycin is illustrative MVP content compiled from public sources. pharmacopeia is for educational and informational use only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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