erythromycin topical solution 2%

Manufacturer
Saptalis Pharmaceuticals, LLC LLC
Effective date
2024-08-14
Label type
HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG LABEL
Version
2
Source
full-release
Hydrated at
2026-05-31 21:12:14

Label at a glance#

Producterythromycin topical solution 2%
Active ingredientERYTHROMYCIN
Label structure13 sections

Indications and uses

Erythromycin topical solution, 2% is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.

Dosage and administration

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...

Label contents#

Full prescribing information#

SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION

For Topical Use Only

Not for Ophthalmic Use

Rx Only

DESCRIPTION

DESCRIPTION SECTION

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:

formulaformula

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.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY SECTION

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.

Microbiology 

MICROBIOLOGY SECTION

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.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

INDICATIONS & USAGE SECTION

Erythromycin topical solution, 2% is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

CONTRAINDICATIONS SECTION

Erythromycin topical solution, 2% is contraindicated in those individuals who have shown hypersensitivity to any of its components.

WARNINGS

WARNINGS SECTION

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.

PRECAUTIONS

PRECAUTIONS SECTION

General 

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS SECTION

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.

Information for Patients 

INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS SECTION

Patients using erythromycin topical solution, 2% should receive the following information and instructions:

  1. This medication is to be used as directed by the physician. It is for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes, nose, mouth, and all mucous membranes.
  2. This medication should not be used for any disorder other than that for which it was prescribed.
  3. Patients should not use any other topical acne medication unless otherwise directed by their physician.
  4. Patients should report to their physician any signs of local adverse reactions.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility 

CARCINOGENESIS & MUTAGENESIS & IMPAIRMENT OF FERTILITY SECTION

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.

Pregnancy

PREGNANCY SECTION

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...

SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION

Nursing Mothers 

NURSING MOTHERS SECTION

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.

Pediatric Use 

PEDIATRIC USE SECTION

Safety and effectiveness of this product in pediatric patients have not been established.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

ADVERSE REACTIONS SECTION

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.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION SECTION

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.

HOW SUPPLIED

HOW SUPPLIED SECTION

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.

SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION

Distributed by:

Saptalis Pharmaceuticals, LLC
Hauppauge, NY 11788

Rev. 03/24-R1

PPM-0037

Principal display panel-Label 

PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

NDC 71656-030-60

Erythromycin Topical Solutino, USP 2%

For Topical Use Only 

Not for Ophthalmic Use

Rx only 

60 mL 

LabelLabel

Principal display panel-Carton

PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

NDC 71656-030-60

Erythromycin Topical Solution, USP 2%

For Topical Use Only 

Not for Ophthalmic Use

Rx only 

60 mL 

caroncaron

DailyMed RxNorm Mappings#

RxCUI, RxNorm string, TTY table
RxCUIRxNorm stringTTYSPL version
318202erythromycin 2 % Topical SolutionPSN2
318202erythromycin 20 MG/ML Topical SolutionSCD2
318202erythromycin 2 % Topical SolutionSY2

DailyMed Pharmacologic Classes#

Class, Version, Type table
ClassVersionTypeEffective
ERYTHROMYCIN Pharmacologic Class Indexing2Indexing - Pharmacologic Class20180813

DailyMed Product Concepts#

Product concept, Relation, Version table
Product conceptRelationVersionEffective
d329c2e1-5ae8-4e64-aea0-77ecea3fa1abProduct name320250717
3b331500-3b74-bd2b-fede-d46839f2f4d5Product name620240313
fdae2630-eae0-4769-abfd-8f33d5b771b4Product name320240202
e2db08c6-133f-4f4f-afb4-e90a2418d6f6Product name120230320
ce6d5c06-3ae0-18a6-d5b3-8cd3cc0f8906Product name720210625
f52be47f-7aa7-46c0-b1fa-50c18dd50206Product name120201029
8c898317-b543-1e4e-254f-84cec2f3f57eProduct name220191002
11ed6f83-cdd2-4637-8379-b1a1d3ae3cdeProduct name120181101
86c45a79-b9f0-4476-a27c-6e10db098497Product name120180125
64ae94c0-3212-d73a-92da-9e6dd85c6ebeProduct name220180118
edcfa1cf-915f-1a4c-d0aa-508cc66e70d9Product name220170816
ad75fcfd-a339-42a1-9c60-43ba2c654cfaProduct name120170810
d5e51f11-ad28-caa4-4b49-4143974782adProduct name120150831
57850177-5927-151f-e1fa-7e2ca47f81e5Product name120140508
8ee71591-1d8f-e24e-242b-bfef131e3168Product name120140508
bff5cf99-0f45-fa15-2a76-b160c3c4cc3cProduct name120140508

DailyMed Package Descriptions#

Package NDC, Product, Description table
Package NDCProductDescriptionFormQuantityStrengthSPL version
71656-030-60erythromycin topical solution 2%1 in 1 CARTONSOLUTION12
71656-030-60erythromycin topical solution 2%60 mL in 1 BOTTLESOLUTION602

DailyMed Dashboard NDC Coverage#

NDC, Dashboard title, SPL version table
NDCDashboard titleSPL versionValidationDashboard ZIP
71656-030ERYTHROMYCIN TOPICAL SOLUTION 2% SOLUTION [SAPTALIS PHARMACEUTICALS, LLC LLC]2Current NDC, 2 package rows20240910_21b64a3f-2c95-1c1a-e063-6294a90a0ea0.zip

DailyMed Billing Units#

Package NDC, Billing unit, Product NDC table
Package NDCBilling unitProduct NDCDailyMed indexing SPLSPL versionEffective
71656-030-60ML - Milliliter71656-030e7516eec-e6c7-4e7d-8e4c-90d0fe7aa6d612024-10-04

Products#

Every source-derived product name is available through these pages.

DailyMed product names page 1 of 1 · 5 matching rows.

NDC Codes#

Product NDC, Package NDC table
Product NDCPackage NDC
71656-03071656-030-60

Ingredients#

Every source-derived ingredient row is available through these pages.

DailyMed ingredient rows page 1 of 1 · 4 matching rows.

Source Document#

Source XML

Orange Book application contexts#

All distinct exact application/product contexts derived from this label’s complete NDC list are paginated below.

Orange Book application contexts page 1 of 1 · 1 matching rows.

Source provenance: Browse the complete Orange Book source catalog · source snapshot 43.

Orange Book products#

Current product rows page 1 of 1 · 1 matching rows.

Application-product, Trade name, Ingredient table
Application-productTrade nameIngredientStrengthDosage form / routeTE codesRLD / RSApproval date
A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERMERYTHROMYCIN2%SOLUTION / TOPICALAT1988-02-05

Therapeutic equivalence codes#

Current TE-code rows page 1 of 1 · 1 matching rows.

Application-product, TE code table
Application-productTE code
A062687-001AT

Observed Orange Book product history#

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.

Product history page 1 of 2 · 43 observed states.

Captured, Edition, Application-product table
CapturedEditionApplication-productTrade nameStrengthDosage form / routeProduct TE source textRLD / RSApproval dateSource SHA-256
2026-09-14 22:38:342026-08A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICALAT1988-02-0584e616aacf4f…
2026-08-18 06:07:402026-07A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICALAT1988-02-05caaa826d4ba7…
2026-02-19 14:30 UTC2026-02A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICALAT1988-02-05011fe1cb6892…
2025-12-14 10:44 UTC · 2 captures of this ZIP2025-12A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICALAT1988-02-0531067a03dcf5…
2025-08-23 18:47 UTC2025-08A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICALAT1988-02-056a471c1ec25d…
2025-03-22 03:13 UTC · 3 captures of this ZIP2025-03A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICALAT1988-02-05fd3edfee7708…
2025-02-26 10:13 UTC · 3 captures of this ZIP2025-02A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICALAT1988-02-05b8a1b40f171c…
2025-01-19 17:59 UTC · 7 captures of this ZIP2025-01A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICALAT1988-02-0503ed91905a0d…
2024-12-13 21:23 UTC · 2 captures of this ZIP2024-12A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICALAT1988-02-052680178bc6a6…
2024-09-14 05:58 UTC · 2 captures of this ZIP2024-09A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICALAT1988-02-055bbf6a4d5a75…
2024-11-08 22:44 UTC · 3 captures of this ZIP2024-11A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICALAT1988-02-05d8e5a09893c0…
2024-10-29 15:01 UTC2024-10A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICALAT1988-02-05d06236e962d9…
2024-08-13 05:28 UTC · 3 captures of this ZIP2024-08A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICALAT1988-02-0579d66fd596c7…
2024-07-13 05:37 UTC · 2 captures of this ZIP2024-07A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICALAT1988-02-05301d65b070ca…
2024-06-18 03:08 UTC · 5 captures of this ZIP2024-06A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICALAT1988-02-051e350fbaab3a…
2024-05-31 18:47 UTC2024-05A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICALAT1988-02-058072bd15b7f6…
2022-06-29 02:47 UTC · 2 captures of this ZIP2022-06A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICALAT1988-02-055c6f7cd8ea54…
2022-04-08 23:34 UTC2022-04A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICALAT1988-02-055d02ea3f76ae…
2022-04-04 05:41 UTC2022-04A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICALAT1988-02-054b0b4de00fa7…
2019-12-13 00:20 UTC2019-12A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICAL1988-02-0574a2ff9319b5…
2022-03-09 01:35 UTC2022-03A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICALAT1988-02-05bb7c543d1eb4…
2021-12-28 21:50 UTC2021-12A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICALAT1988-02-05782e0a99824c…
2021-05-05 16:15 UTC · 3 captures of this ZIP2021-05A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICAL1988-02-0587673890dc5c…
2021-03-12 10:30 UTC2021-03A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICAL1988-02-055aa47cf7b7d7…
2020-12-22 03:56 UTC2020-12A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICAL1988-02-058869cabd3fbd…
2020-11-12 02:37 UTC2020-11A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICAL1988-02-05c0c555d07b60…
2019-12-14 00:12 UTC2019-12A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICAL1988-02-053f01610625f2…
2019-09-15 20:21 UTC2019-09A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICAL1988-02-05b00525d2431f…
2019-07-19 19:46 UTC2019-07A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICAL1988-02-05ea99ee380514…
2024-03-16 18:09 UTC · 4 captures of this ZIP2024-03A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICALAT1988-02-056a51e52b5d6a…
2024-02-18 07:12 UTC2024-02A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICALAT1988-02-051c564ffb4f44…
2023-12-20 04:57 UTC2023-12A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICALAT1988-02-05ea1830bbd6c7…
2023-11-28 05:40 UTC · 2 captures of this ZIP2023-11A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICALAT1988-02-05a72a2bbeb626…
2023-10-25 00:34 UTC · 2 captures of this ZIP2023-10A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICALAT1988-02-059b2671bbb829…
2023-07-15 15:27 UTC · 2 captures of this ZIP2023-07A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICALAT1988-02-05a67488948f0b…
2023-06-13 01:57 UTC · 3 captures of this ZIP2023-06A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICALAT1988-02-053f0d92c62455…
2023-05-13 08:27 UTC2023-05A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICALAT1988-02-05053a50430f4f…
2023-01-26 05:58 UTC2023-01A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICALAT1988-02-053bdfa0b2c4d7…
2022-11-12 20:34 UTC · 5 captures of this ZIP2022-11A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICALAT1988-02-053a93d1ddd44b…
2022-10-28 04:53 UTC2022-10A062687-001ERYTHRA-DERM2%SOLUTION / TOPICALAT1988-02-05f41ea6bd6efb…

Observed Orange Book normalized TE history#

Captured, Edition, Application-product table
CapturedEditionApplication-productTE codeOrderSource SHA-256
2026-09-14 22:38:342026-08A062687-001AT184e616aacf4f…
2026-08-18 06:07:402026-07A062687-001AT1caaa826d4ba7…
2026-02-19 14:30 UTC2026-02A062687-001AT1011fe1cb6892…
2025-12-14 10:44 UTC · 2 captures of this ZIP2025-12A062687-001AT131067a03dcf5…
2025-08-23 18:47 UTC2025-08A062687-001AT16a471c1ec25d…
2025-03-22 03:13 UTC · 3 captures of this ZIP2025-03A062687-001AT1fd3edfee7708…
2025-02-26 10:13 UTC · 3 captures of this ZIP2025-02A062687-001AT1b8a1b40f171c…
2025-01-19 17:59 UTC · 7 captures of this ZIP2025-01A062687-001AT103ed91905a0d…
2024-12-13 21:23 UTC · 2 captures of this ZIP2024-12A062687-001AT12680178bc6a6…
2024-09-14 05:58 UTC · 2 captures of this ZIP2024-09A062687-001AT15bbf6a4d5a75…
2024-11-08 22:44 UTC · 3 captures of this ZIP2024-11A062687-001AT1d8e5a09893c0…
2024-10-29 15:01 UTC2024-10A062687-001AT1d06236e962d9…
2024-08-13 05:28 UTC · 3 captures of this ZIP2024-08A062687-001AT179d66fd596c7…
2024-07-13 05:37 UTC · 2 captures of this ZIP2024-07A062687-001AT1301d65b070ca…
2024-06-18 03:08 UTC · 5 captures of this ZIP2024-06A062687-001AT11e350fbaab3a…
2024-05-31 18:47 UTC2024-05A062687-001AT18072bd15b7f6…
2022-06-29 02:47 UTC · 2 captures of this ZIP2022-06A062687-001AT15c6f7cd8ea54…
2022-04-08 23:34 UTC2022-04A062687-001AT15d02ea3f76ae…
2022-04-04 05:41 UTC2022-04A062687-001AT14b0b4de00fa7…
2022-03-09 01:35 UTC2022-03A062687-001AT1bb7c543d1eb4…
2021-12-28 21:50 UTC2021-12A062687-001AT1782e0a99824c…
2024-03-16 18:09 UTC · 4 captures of this ZIP2024-03A062687-001AT16a51e52b5d6a…
2024-02-18 07:12 UTC2024-02A062687-001AT11c564ffb4f44…
2023-12-20 04:57 UTC2023-12A062687-001AT1ea1830bbd6c7…
2023-11-28 05:40 UTC · 2 captures of this ZIP2023-11A062687-001AT1a72a2bbeb626…
2023-10-25 00:34 UTC · 2 captures of this ZIP2023-10A062687-001AT19b2671bbb829…
2023-07-15 15:27 UTC · 2 captures of this ZIP2023-07A062687-001AT1a67488948f0b…
2023-06-13 01:57 UTC · 3 captures of this ZIP2023-06A062687-001AT13f0d92c62455…
2023-05-13 08:27 UTC2023-05A062687-001AT1053a50430f4f…
2023-01-26 05:58 UTC2023-01A062687-001AT13bdfa0b2c4d7…
2022-11-12 20:34 UTC · 5 captures of this ZIP2022-11A062687-001AT13a93d1ddd44b…
2022-10-28 04:53 UTC2022-10A062687-001AT1f41ea6bd6efb…
2022-09-29 23:25 UTC2022-09A062687-001AT1e64feba35796…
2022-07-09 03:26 UTC · 3 captures of this ZIP2022-07A062687-001AT1cb3db0bc1861…
2026-07-26 02:55 UTC · 3 captures of this ZIP2026-06A062687-001AT1a50c72e98297…

openFDA label cross-check#

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.

Matched openFDA labels page 1 of 1 · 1 matching rows.

Brand, Generic, Manufacturer table
BrandGenericManufacturerSPL set IDEffective dateAvailable safety fieldsJoin
erythromycin topical solution 2%ERYTHROMYCIN TOPICAL SOLUTION 2%Saptalis Pharmaceuticals, LLC LLC21b64a3f-2c95-1c1a-e063-6294a90a0ea02024-08-14Warnings, Adverse reactionsExact identifier
ndc (package): 71656-030-60
ndc (product): 71656-030
ndc11 (package): 71656003060
spl id: 21b6729d-f82f-309a-e063-6394a90a8a36
spl set id: 21b64a3f-2c95-1c1a-e063-6294a90a0ea0

Reported adverse events (FAERS/openFDA)#

Adverse event summaries are temporarily unavailable. Other product information remains available.