Written for dermatologists by dermatologists. Indexed by the US National Library of Medicine.

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Erythromycin

Erythromycin is an antibiotic in the macrolide group, and is used in acne treatment. It is the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects that are important. If your inflamed pimples do not respond well to topical antibiotics, or if you have acne on many areas of your body, acne antibiotics in pill form (oral) can be more effective, easier to take, and more convenient.

How Do I Use This Medication?

This antibiotic is available both as an oral and a topical acne medication.

How Does It Work?

It is a bacteriostatic antibiotic, that is, it inhibits the growth of bacteria. It may also have an anti-inflammatory effect.

It is useful in the following conditions:

Pityriasis Lichenoides et Varioliformis Acuta (PLEVA), or Mucha-Habermann disease
Acne
Rosacea
Perioral dermatitis
Erythrasma
Erysipelas
Erysipeloid
Actinomycosis
Amebiasis
Gonorrhea
Chancroid
Syphilis
Granuloma inguinale
Lymphogranuloma venereum virus

Will There Be Side Effects?

Gastrointestinal upset is common with this acne antibiotic.

Rare side effects include:

Live toxicity
Cardiac toxicity
Pancreatitis
Ototoxicity(inner ear) in those who have kidney failure

The estolate type of erythromycin should be avoided during pregnancy because there is a risk of liver toxicity.

Can I Take Other Medications?

Avoid astemizole (Hismanol®) and terfenadine (Seldane®, Seldane-D®), which are antihistamines. Avoid cisapride (Propulsid®), which is used to treat symptoms of nighttime heartburn due to gastroesophageal reflux disease. Levels of the following drugs may increase if taken with erythromycin: carbamazepine, valproic acid, warfarin and theophyllin.