Indications and uses
Erythromycin topical solution, 2% is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.
Erythromycin topical solution, 2% is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.
Erythromycin topical solution, 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 contr...
For Topical Use Only
Not for Ophthalmic Use
Rx Only
Erythromycin topical solution, USP 2% contains erythromycin, USP for topical dermatologic use. Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic produced from a strain of Saccaropolyspora erythraea(formerly Streptomyces erythreus). It is a base and readily forms salts with acids. Chemically, erythromycin is: (3 R*,4 S*,5 S*,6 R*,7 R*,9 R*,11 R*,12 R*,13 S*,14 R*)-4-[(2,6-Dideoxy-3- C-methyl-3- 0-methyl-α-L- ribo-hexopyranosyl)oxy]-14-ethyl-7,12,13-trihydroxy -3,5,7,9,11,13-hexamethyl-6-[[3,4,6-trideoxy-3-(dimethylamino)-ß-D- xylo-hexopyranosyl]oxy]oxacyclotetradecane-2,10-dione. It has the following structural formula:
Molecular Formula: C 37H 67NO 13
Molecular Weight: 733.94
Erythromycin, USP is a white or slightly yellow, crystalline powder that is soluble in water, alcohol, chloroform and in ether.
Each mL of erythromycin topical solution, USP 2% contains 20 mg of erythromycin base in a vehicle consisting of alcohol (66%), citric acid, and propylene glycol.
The exact mechanism by which erythromycin reduces lesions of acne vulgaris is not fully known; however, the effect appears to be due in part to the antibacterial activity of the drug.
Erythromycin acts by inhibition of protein synthesis in susceptible organisms by reversibly binding to 50S ribosomal subunits, thereby inhibiting translocation of aminoacyl transfer-RNA and inhibiting polypeptide synthesis. Antagonism has been demonstrated in vitrobetween erythromycin, lincomycin, chloramphenicol, and clindamycin.
Erythromycin topical solution, 2% is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.
Erythromycin topical solution, 2% is contraindicated in those individuals who have shown hypersensitivity to any of its components.
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 difficileis 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. difficilecolitis.
For topical use only; not for ophthalmic use. Concomitant topical acne therapy should be used with caution because a possible cumulative irritancy effect may occur, especially with the use of peeling, desquamating or abrasive agents.
The use of antibiotic agents may be associated with the overgrowth of antibiotic-resistant organisms. If this occurs, discontinue use and take appropriate measures.
Avoid contact with eyes and all mucous membranes.
Patients using erythromycin topical solution, 2% should receive the following information and instructions:
No animal studies have been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic and mutagenic potential or effects on fertility of topical erythromycin. However, long-term (2 years) oral studies in rats with erythromycin ethylsuccinate and erythromycin base did not provide evidence of tumorigenicity. There was no apparent effect on male or female fertility in rats fed erythromycin (base) at levels up to 0.25% of diet.
It is not known whether erythromycin is excreted in human milk after topical application. However, erythromycin is excreted in human milk following oral and parenteral erythromycin administration. Therefore, caution should be exercised when erythromycin is administered to a nursing woman.
Safety and effectiveness of this product in pediatric patients have not been established.
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.
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Saptalis Pharmaceuticals, LLC at 1-833-727-8254 or FDA at 1-800‑FDA‑1088 or
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Erythromycin topical solution, 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.
Erythromycin topical solution, USP 2% is available as follows:
60 mL bottle with applicator (NDC 71656-030-60)
Store at 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Keep container tightly closed.
Distributed by:
Saptalis Pharmaceuticals, LLC
Hauppauge, NY 11788
Rev. 03/24-R1
PPM-0037
NDC 71656-030-60
Erythromycin Topical Solutino, USP 2%
For Topical Use Only
Not for Ophthalmic Use
Rx only
60 mL
NDC 71656-030-60
Erythromycin Topical Solution, USP 2%
For Topical Use Only
Not for Ophthalmic Use
Rx only
60 mL
| Class | Version | Type | Effective |
|---|---|---|---|
| ERYTHROMYCIN Pharmacologic Class Indexing | 2 | Indexing - Pharmacologic Class | 20180813 |
| Product concept | Relation | Version | Effective |
|---|---|---|---|
| d329c2e1-5ae8-4e64-aea0-77ecea3fa1ab | Product name | 3 | 20250717 |
| 3b331500-3b74-bd2b-fede-d46839f2f4d5 | Product name | 6 | 20240313 |
| fdae2630-eae0-4769-abfd-8f33d5b771b4 | Product name | 3 | 20240202 |
| e2db08c6-133f-4f4f-afb4-e90a2418d6f6 | Product name | 1 | 20230320 |
| ce6d5c06-3ae0-18a6-d5b3-8cd3cc0f8906 | Product name | 7 | 20210625 |
| f52be47f-7aa7-46c0-b1fa-50c18dd50206 | Product name | 1 | 20201029 |
| 8c898317-b543-1e4e-254f-84cec2f3f57e | Product name | 2 | 20191002 |
| 11ed6f83-cdd2-4637-8379-b1a1d3ae3cde | Product name | 1 | 20181101 |
| 86c45a79-b9f0-4476-a27c-6e10db098497 | Product name | 1 | 20180125 |
| 64ae94c0-3212-d73a-92da-9e6dd85c6ebe | Product name | 2 | 20180118 |
| edcfa1cf-915f-1a4c-d0aa-508cc66e70d9 | Product name | 2 | 20170816 |
| ad75fcfd-a339-42a1-9c60-43ba2c654cfa | Product name | 1 | 20170810 |
| d5e51f11-ad28-caa4-4b49-4143974782ad | Product name | 1 | 20150831 |
| 57850177-5927-151f-e1fa-7e2ca47f81e5 | Product name | 1 | 20140508 |
| 8ee71591-1d8f-e24e-242b-bfef131e3168 | Product name | 1 | 20140508 |
| bff5cf99-0f45-fa15-2a76-b160c3c4cc3c | Product name | 1 | 20140508 |
| Package NDC | Product | Description | Form | Quantity | Strength | SPL version |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71656-030-60 | erythromycin topical solution 2% | 1 in 1 CARTON | SOLUTION | 1 | 2 | |
| 71656-030-60 | erythromycin topical solution 2% | 60 mL in 1 BOTTLE | SOLUTION | 60 | 2 |
| Package NDC | Billing unit | Product NDC | DailyMed indexing SPL | SPL version | Effective |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71656-030-60 | ML - Milliliter | 71656-030 | e7516eec-e6c7-4e7d-8e4c-90d0fe7aa6d6 | 1 | 2024-10-04 |
Every source-derived product name is available through these pages.
| Product NDC | Package NDC |
|---|---|
| 71656-030 | 71656-030-60 |
Every source-derived ingredient row is available through these pages.
| Name | UNII | Kind |
|---|---|---|
| ALCOHOL | 3K9958V90M | IACT |
| ANHYDROUS CITRIC ACID | XF417D3PSL | IACT |
| PROPYLENE GLYCOL | 6DC9Q167V3 | IACT |
| ERYTHROMYCIN | 63937KV33D | ACTIB |
All distinct exact application/product contexts derived from this label’s complete NDC list are paginated below.
| Application-product | Trade name | Ingredient | Strength | Dosage form / route | TE codes | RLD / RS | Approval date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | ERYTHROMYCIN | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | AT | 1988-02-05 |
| Application-product | TE code |
|---|---|
| A062687-001 | AT |
Observed FDA ZIP history: Each table is queried independently by exact application/product key from successfully parsed Orange Book snapshots. Capture times identify archived source observations; absence or a change between snapshots is not inferred. FDA publication files that were not recoverable as structured ZIP data are not represented as states.
| Captured | Edition | Application-product | Trade name | Strength | Dosage form / route | Product TE source text | RLD / RS | Approval date | Source SHA-256 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-09-14 22:38:34 | 2026-08 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | AT | 1988-02-05 | 84e616aacf4f… | |
| 2026-08-18 06:07:40 | 2026-07 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | AT | 1988-02-05 | caaa826d4ba7… | |
| 2026-02-19 14:30 UTC | 2026-02 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | AT | 1988-02-05 | 011fe1cb6892… | |
| 2025-12-14 10:44 UTC · 2 captures of this ZIP | 2025-12 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | AT | 1988-02-05 | 31067a03dcf5… | |
| 2025-08-23 18:47 UTC | 2025-08 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | AT | 1988-02-05 | 6a471c1ec25d… | |
| 2025-03-22 03:13 UTC · 3 captures of this ZIP | 2025-03 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | AT | 1988-02-05 | fd3edfee7708… | |
| 2025-02-26 10:13 UTC · 3 captures of this ZIP | 2025-02 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | AT | 1988-02-05 | b8a1b40f171c… | |
| 2025-01-19 17:59 UTC · 7 captures of this ZIP | 2025-01 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | AT | 1988-02-05 | 03ed91905a0d… | |
| 2024-12-13 21:23 UTC · 2 captures of this ZIP | 2024-12 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | AT | 1988-02-05 | 2680178bc6a6… | |
| 2024-09-14 05:58 UTC · 2 captures of this ZIP | 2024-09 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | AT | 1988-02-05 | 5bbf6a4d5a75… | |
| 2024-11-08 22:44 UTC · 3 captures of this ZIP | 2024-11 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | AT | 1988-02-05 | d8e5a09893c0… | |
| 2024-10-29 15:01 UTC | 2024-10 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | AT | 1988-02-05 | d06236e962d9… | |
| 2024-08-13 05:28 UTC · 3 captures of this ZIP | 2024-08 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | AT | 1988-02-05 | 79d66fd596c7… | |
| 2024-07-13 05:37 UTC · 2 captures of this ZIP | 2024-07 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | AT | 1988-02-05 | 301d65b070ca… | |
| 2024-06-18 03:08 UTC · 5 captures of this ZIP | 2024-06 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | AT | 1988-02-05 | 1e350fbaab3a… | |
| 2024-05-31 18:47 UTC | 2024-05 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | AT | 1988-02-05 | 8072bd15b7f6… | |
| 2022-06-29 02:47 UTC · 2 captures of this ZIP | 2022-06 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | AT | 1988-02-05 | 5c6f7cd8ea54… | |
| 2022-04-08 23:34 UTC | 2022-04 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | AT | 1988-02-05 | 5d02ea3f76ae… | |
| 2022-04-04 05:41 UTC | 2022-04 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | AT | 1988-02-05 | 4b0b4de00fa7… | |
| 2019-12-13 00:20 UTC | 2019-12 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | 1988-02-05 | 74a2ff9319b5… | ||
| 2022-03-09 01:35 UTC | 2022-03 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | AT | 1988-02-05 | bb7c543d1eb4… | |
| 2021-12-28 21:50 UTC | 2021-12 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | AT | 1988-02-05 | 782e0a99824c… | |
| 2021-05-05 16:15 UTC · 3 captures of this ZIP | 2021-05 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | 1988-02-05 | 87673890dc5c… | ||
| 2021-03-12 10:30 UTC | 2021-03 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | 1988-02-05 | 5aa47cf7b7d7… | ||
| 2020-12-22 03:56 UTC | 2020-12 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | 1988-02-05 | 8869cabd3fbd… | ||
| 2020-11-12 02:37 UTC | 2020-11 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | 1988-02-05 | c0c555d07b60… | ||
| 2019-12-14 00:12 UTC | 2019-12 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | 1988-02-05 | 3f01610625f2… | ||
| 2019-09-15 20:21 UTC | 2019-09 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | 1988-02-05 | b00525d2431f… | ||
| 2019-07-19 19:46 UTC | 2019-07 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | 1988-02-05 | ea99ee380514… | ||
| 2024-03-16 18:09 UTC · 4 captures of this ZIP | 2024-03 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | AT | 1988-02-05 | 6a51e52b5d6a… | |
| 2024-02-18 07:12 UTC | 2024-02 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | AT | 1988-02-05 | 1c564ffb4f44… | |
| 2023-12-20 04:57 UTC | 2023-12 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | AT | 1988-02-05 | ea1830bbd6c7… | |
| 2023-11-28 05:40 UTC · 2 captures of this ZIP | 2023-11 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | AT | 1988-02-05 | a72a2bbeb626… | |
| 2023-10-25 00:34 UTC · 2 captures of this ZIP | 2023-10 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | AT | 1988-02-05 | 9b2671bbb829… | |
| 2023-07-15 15:27 UTC · 2 captures of this ZIP | 2023-07 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | AT | 1988-02-05 | a67488948f0b… | |
| 2023-06-13 01:57 UTC · 3 captures of this ZIP | 2023-06 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | AT | 1988-02-05 | 3f0d92c62455… | |
| 2023-05-13 08:27 UTC | 2023-05 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | AT | 1988-02-05 | 053a50430f4f… | |
| 2023-01-26 05:58 UTC | 2023-01 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | AT | 1988-02-05 | 3bdfa0b2c4d7… | |
| 2022-11-12 20:34 UTC · 5 captures of this ZIP | 2022-11 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | AT | 1988-02-05 | 3a93d1ddd44b… | |
| 2022-10-28 04:53 UTC | 2022-10 | A062687-001 | ERYTHRA-DERM | 2% | SOLUTION / TOPICAL | AT | 1988-02-05 | f41ea6bd6efb… |
| Captured | Edition | Application-product | TE code | Order | Source SHA-256 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-09-14 22:38:34 | 2026-08 | A062687-001 | AT | 1 | 84e616aacf4f… |
| 2026-08-18 06:07:40 | 2026-07 | A062687-001 | AT | 1 | caaa826d4ba7… |
| 2026-02-19 14:30 UTC | 2026-02 | A062687-001 | AT | 1 | 011fe1cb6892… |
| 2025-12-14 10:44 UTC · 2 captures of this ZIP | 2025-12 | A062687-001 | AT | 1 | 31067a03dcf5… |
| 2025-08-23 18:47 UTC | 2025-08 | A062687-001 | AT | 1 | 6a471c1ec25d… |
| 2025-03-22 03:13 UTC · 3 captures of this ZIP | 2025-03 | A062687-001 | AT | 1 | fd3edfee7708… |
| 2025-02-26 10:13 UTC · 3 captures of this ZIP | 2025-02 | A062687-001 | AT | 1 | b8a1b40f171c… |
| 2025-01-19 17:59 UTC · 7 captures of this ZIP | 2025-01 | A062687-001 | AT | 1 | 03ed91905a0d… |
| 2024-12-13 21:23 UTC · 2 captures of this ZIP | 2024-12 | A062687-001 | AT | 1 | 2680178bc6a6… |
| 2024-09-14 05:58 UTC · 2 captures of this ZIP | 2024-09 | A062687-001 | AT | 1 | 5bbf6a4d5a75… |
| 2024-11-08 22:44 UTC · 3 captures of this ZIP | 2024-11 | A062687-001 | AT | 1 | d8e5a09893c0… |
| 2024-10-29 15:01 UTC | 2024-10 | A062687-001 | AT | 1 | d06236e962d9… |
| 2024-08-13 05:28 UTC · 3 captures of this ZIP | 2024-08 | A062687-001 | AT | 1 | 79d66fd596c7… |
| 2024-07-13 05:37 UTC · 2 captures of this ZIP | 2024-07 | A062687-001 | AT | 1 | 301d65b070ca… |
| 2024-06-18 03:08 UTC · 5 captures of this ZIP | 2024-06 | A062687-001 | AT | 1 | 1e350fbaab3a… |
| 2024-05-31 18:47 UTC | 2024-05 | A062687-001 | AT | 1 | 8072bd15b7f6… |
| 2022-06-29 02:47 UTC · 2 captures of this ZIP | 2022-06 | A062687-001 | AT | 1 | 5c6f7cd8ea54… |
| 2022-04-08 23:34 UTC | 2022-04 | A062687-001 | AT | 1 | 5d02ea3f76ae… |
| 2022-04-04 05:41 UTC | 2022-04 | A062687-001 | AT | 1 | 4b0b4de00fa7… |
| 2022-03-09 01:35 UTC | 2022-03 | A062687-001 | AT | 1 | bb7c543d1eb4… |
| 2021-12-28 21:50 UTC | 2021-12 | A062687-001 | AT | 1 | 782e0a99824c… |
| 2024-03-16 18:09 UTC · 4 captures of this ZIP | 2024-03 | A062687-001 | AT | 1 | 6a51e52b5d6a… |
| 2024-02-18 07:12 UTC | 2024-02 | A062687-001 | AT | 1 | 1c564ffb4f44… |
| 2023-12-20 04:57 UTC | 2023-12 | A062687-001 | AT | 1 | ea1830bbd6c7… |
| 2023-11-28 05:40 UTC · 2 captures of this ZIP | 2023-11 | A062687-001 | AT | 1 | a72a2bbeb626… |
| 2023-10-25 00:34 UTC · 2 captures of this ZIP | 2023-10 | A062687-001 | AT | 1 | 9b2671bbb829… |
| 2023-07-15 15:27 UTC · 2 captures of this ZIP | 2023-07 | A062687-001 | AT | 1 | a67488948f0b… |
| 2023-06-13 01:57 UTC · 3 captures of this ZIP | 2023-06 | A062687-001 | AT | 1 | 3f0d92c62455… |
| 2023-05-13 08:27 UTC | 2023-05 | A062687-001 | AT | 1 | 053a50430f4f… |
| 2023-01-26 05:58 UTC | 2023-01 | A062687-001 | AT | 1 | 3bdfa0b2c4d7… |
| 2022-11-12 20:34 UTC · 5 captures of this ZIP | 2022-11 | A062687-001 | AT | 1 | 3a93d1ddd44b… |
| 2022-10-28 04:53 UTC | 2022-10 | A062687-001 | AT | 1 | f41ea6bd6efb… |
| 2022-09-29 23:25 UTC | 2022-09 | A062687-001 | AT | 1 | e64feba35796… |
| 2022-07-09 03:26 UTC · 3 captures of this ZIP | 2022-07 | A062687-001 | AT | 1 | cb3db0bc1861… |
| 2026-07-26 02:55 UTC · 3 captures of this ZIP | 2026-06 | A062687-001 | AT | 1 | a50c72e98297… |
OpenFDA label data provides additional search and identifier links. DailyMed’s Structured Product Label is the canonical label on FDA.report. Matching records are deduplicated before they are shown below.
| Brand | Generic | Manufacturer | SPL set ID | Effective date | Available safety fields | Join |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| erythromycin topical solution 2% | ERYTHROMYCIN TOPICAL SOLUTION 2% | Saptalis Pharmaceuticals, LLC LLC | 21b64a3f-2c95-1c1a-e063-6294a90a0ea0 | 2024-08-14 | Warnings, Adverse reactions | 71656-030-60 71656-030 71656003060 21b6729d-f82f-309a-e063-6394a90a8a36 21b64a3f-2c95-1c1a-e063-6294a90a0ea0 |
Adverse event summaries are temporarily unavailable. Other product information remains available.