erythromycin topical (AkneMycin, Ery): Dosing and Uses

Dosing and uses of AkneMycin, Ery (erythromycin topical)

• Adult
• Pediatric

Adult dosage forms and strengths

topical ointment (AkneMycin)

• 2%

topical pads (Ery)

• 2%

topical solution

• 2%

topical geL

• 2%

Acne Vulgaris

Apply topically BID (morning and evening) to affected areas after skin is thoroughly washed and patted dry

Pediatric dosage forms and strengths

Safety and efficacy not established

AkneMycin, Ery (erythromycin topical) adverse (side) effects

Frequency not defined

Contact sensitization

Dryness

Erythema

Skin irritation

Skin tenderness

Warnings

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity

Cautions

For external use only; avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes

Concomitant topical acne therapy may result in cumulative irritation, especially with the use of peeling, desquamating, or abrasive agents; if this occurs, discontinue and seek medical advice

Although limited systemic absorption occurs with topical erythromycin, antibiotics may be associated with the overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms; if this occurs, discontinue use and contact physician

Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy category: B

Lactation: Unknown if excreted in breast milk; use with caution

Pregnancy categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

Pharmacology of AkneMycin, Ery (erythromycin topical)

Mechanism of action

The exact mechanism by which erythromycin reduce lesions of acne vulgaris is not fully known

Erythromycin: Inhibits protein synthesis in susceptible organisms by reversibly binding to 50 S ribosomal subunits, thereby inhibiting translocation of aminoacyl transfer-RNA and inhibiting polypeptide synthesis