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Erythromycin

Dosage Form: Topical Solution

Rx only

Erythromycin Description

Erythromycin Topical Solution, USP 2% contains Erythromycin ((3R*,4S*,5S*,6R*,7R*, 9R*,11R*, 12R*,13S*,14R*) - 4 - [(2,6 - Dideoxy - 3 - C - methyl - 3 - O - 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) - β - D - xylo - hexopyranosyl]oxy]oxacyclotetradecane - 2,10 - dione), 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 C37H67NO13. It has the following structural formula:

Erythromycin has the molecular weight of 733.94. It is a white or slightly yellow, crystalline powder and it is slightly soluble in water; soluble in alcohol, in chloroform and in ether.

Each gram of Erythromycin contains 20 milligrams of Erythromycin in a base of alcohol, USP (66%) and propylene glycol, USP.

Erythromycin - Clinical Pharmacology

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

Erythromycin acts by inhibition of protein synthesis in susceptible organisms by reversibly binding to 50 S ribosomal subunits, thereby inhibiting translocation of aminoacyl transfer-RNA and inhibiting polypeptide synthesis. Antagonism has been demonstrated in vitro between Erythromycin, lincomycin, chloramphenicol, and clindamycin.

Indications and Usage for Erythromycin

Erythromycin Topical Solution, USP 2% is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.

Contraindications

Erythromycin Topical Solution, USP 2% is contraindicated in those individuals who have shown hypersensitivity to any of its components.

Warnings

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 difficile is 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. difficile colitis.

Precautions

General

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

Patients using Erythromycin should receive the following information and instructions:

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.
This medication should not be used for any disorder other than that for which it was prescribed.
Patients should not use any other topical acne medication unless otherwise directed by their physician.
Patients should report to their physician any signs of local adverse reactions.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

No animal studies have been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic and mutagenic potential or effects on fertility of topical Erythromycin. However, long-term (2-year) 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

Teratogenic Effects

Pregnancy Category B

There was no evidence of teratogenicity or any other adverse effect on reproduction in female rats fed Erythromycin base (up to 0.25% diet) prior to and during mating, during gestation and through weaning of two successive litters.

There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed. Erythromycin has been reported to cross the placental barrier in humans, but fetal plasma levels are generally low.

Nursing Women

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

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

Adverse Reactions

The following additional local adverse reactions have been reported occasionally: peeling, dryness, itching, erythema, and oiliness. Irritation of the eyes and tenderness of the skin have 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.

Erythromycin Dosage and Administration

Erythromycin Topical Solution, USP 2% should be applied to the affected area 2 times a day after the skin is thoroughly washed with warm water and soap and patted dry. Moisten the applicator or a pad with Erythromycin, then rub over the affected area. Acne lesions on the face, neck, shoulder, chest and back may be treated in this manner.

How is Erythromycin Supplied

Erythromycin Topical Solution, USP 2% is supplied in 60 mL plastic bottles.

Store at controlled room temperature, 15 °–30 °C (59 °–86 °F).

KEEP TIGHTLY CLOSED

Rx Only

Product No.: 8671

Manufactured By:
Morton Grove Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Morton Grove, IL 60053

A50-8671-60 REV. 08-05

Erythromycin (Erythromycin)

PRODUCT INFO
Product Code	60432-671	Dosage Form	SOLUTION
Route Of Administration	TOPICAL	DEA Schedule

INGREDIENTS
Name (Active Moiety)	Type	Strength
Erythromycin (Erythromycin)	Active	20 MILLIGRAM In 1 MILLILITER
alcohol	Inactive
propylene glycol	Inactive