What is erythromycin gel?
Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used for the local treatment of acne. It acts against the acne bacteria Propionibacterium acnes and reduces inflammation.
The antibiotic is available in various formulations: gel, solution and in combination with other active ingredients. To avoid resistance, it should ideally be used together with benzoyl peroxide.
Erythromycin gel is particularly suitable for sensitive skin and causes less irritation than benzoyl peroxide or retinoides.
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Erythromycin 2-4%
Erythromycin acts antibacterial and anti-inflammatory:
Antibacterial effect:
- Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis
- Binding to the 50S subunit of ribosomes
- Acts bacteriostatically against P. acnes
- Reduces the number of bacteria in the follicles
Inflammatory action:
- Inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines
- Reduces redness and swelling
- Regardless of the antibacterial effect
Resistance development problem: Due to frequent use, many P. acnes strains have become resistant. Combination with benzoyl peroxide prevents this and increases the effectiveness.
Who is it suitable for?
Erythromycin gel is suitable for:
- Light to moderate inflammatory acne
- Patients with sensitive skin
- In combination with other acne products
- As an alternative to incompatibility of other preparations
Advantages:
- Well tolerated
- Little irritating
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Anti-inflammatory
Restrictions:
- Development of resistance with sole application
- Less effective as combination preparations
- Not with pure komedogen acne
Available Dosages
**Erythromycin gel/solution:* *
- Concentration: 2% or 4%
- apply 2x daily to affected places
Combination preparations:
- Erythromycin + Isotretinoin (Isotrexin®)
- Erythromycin + Zineryt®
- Erythromycin + Tretinoin
Pack sizes:
- 25 g, 30 g, 50 g tube
- Solutions 30 ml, 50 ml
How to Take
Application: 1. Clean skin Two. Fully dry 3. Apply thinly to the affected areas 4. Apply morning and evening Five. Let's move
Language:
- Improvement after 4-6 weeks
- Maximum treatment: 12 weeks
- With good action: Continue combination with benzoyl peroxide
Important notes:
- Do not apply alone (resistance risk)
- Ideally in the evening erythromycin, morning benzoyl peroxide
- Not if Erythromycin is used orally
Contraindications
Do not apply at:
- hypersensitivity to erythromycin or macrolide
- In the area of eyes and mucosa
Preview at:
- Simultaneous administration of oral erythromycin or clindamycin
- Atopic skin
pregnant and breastfeeding: Can be applied. Low systemic recording.
Possible Side Effects
**
- dry skin
- Light burning
- dandruff
- Itching
Occasionally:
- Skin redness
- Skin irritation
- Contact dermatitis
Selten:
- Allergic reactions
- Resistance development
** Compared to other acne agents, erythromycin gel is well tolerated and causes little irritation.
Interactions
Not combine with:
- Clindamycin (topic) – antagonistic action possible
- Erythromycin (oral) – increased resistance risk
Ingenious combination:
- Apply with benzoyl peroxide (use in time)
- With retinoids (time-replaced)
Application recommendation: Morning benzoyl peroxide, in the evening erythromycin – or vice versa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar Medications
Is erythromycin gel right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor. Read the package leaflet before use.