(er ith roe MYE sin)
Acne: Treatment of acne vulgaris
Hypersensitivity to erythromycin or any component of the formulation
Documentation of allergenic cross-reactivity for erythromycin is limited. However, because of similarities in chemical structure and/or pharmacologic actions, the possibility of cross-sensitivity cannot be ruled out with certainty.
Note: Akne-Mycin ointment has been discontinued in the US for more than 1 year.
Acne: Topical:
Gel: Apply sparingly as a thin film over the affected area once or twice daily. Therapeutic response may take up to 6-8 weeks; discontinue use if no improvement after 6-8 weeks or if condition worsens.
Ointment, solution: Apply to affected area twice daily (morning and evening); drying and peeling may be controlled by reducing the frequency of application.
Pads: Rub pad over affected areas twice daily (morning and evening); additional pads may be used, if needed.
Erysol [Canadian product]: Apply thin film to affected area twice daily (morning and evening after the skin has been thoroughly washed and patted dry); may decrease to once daily if irritation develops at application site. Therapeutic response may take up to 6-8 weeks; discontinue use if no improvement after 6-8 weeks or if condition worsens. Maximum therapy duration: 3 months.
Refer to adult dosing.
Note: Akne-Mycin ointment has been discontinued in the US for more than 1 year.
Acne: Children ≥12 years and Adolescents: Topical: Erysol gel [Canadian product]: Apply thin film to affected area twice daily (morning and evening); may decrease to once daily if irritation develops at application site. Therapeutic response may take up to 6-8 weeks; discontinue use if no improvement after 6-8 weeks or if condition worsens. Maximum therapy duration: 3 months.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in manufacturer 's labeling.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in manufacturer 's labeling.
Topical: Prior to treatment, thoroughly wash affected area with mild soap and warm water, rinse, and pat dry. Discard pad after single use. Wash hands after use. Avoid contact with the eyes, nose, mouth and other mucous membranes, and broken skin.
Akne-Mycin: Store below 27 ‚ °C (80 ‚ °F).
Ery: Store at 20 ‚ °C to 25 ‚ °C (68 ‚ °F to 77 ‚ °F).
Erygel: Store at 20 ‚ °C to 25 ‚ °C (68 ‚ °F to 77 ‚ °F). Protect from heat and flame.
Erysol [Canadian product]: Store at 15 ‚ °C to 30 ‚ °C (59 ‚ °F to 86 ‚ °F). Protect from heat and flame.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product
Gel, External:
Erygel: 2% (30 g, 60 g)
Generic: 2% (30 g, 60 g)
Ointment, External:
Akne-Mycin: 2% (25 g [DSC]) [contains cetostearyl alcohol]
Pad, External:
Ery: 2% (60 ea) [contains propylene glycol]
Generic: 2% (60 ea)
Solution, External:
Generic: 2% (60 mL)
Clindamycin (Topical): Erythromycin (Topical) may diminish the therapeutic effect of Clindamycin (Topical). Avoid combination
Frequency not defined. Adverse reactions listed below are reflective of both US and Canadian product information.
Dermatologic: Desquamation, erythema, exfoliation of skin, leathery skin, oily skin, pruritus, skin fissure (around mouth), skin tenderness, urticaria, xeroderma
Local: Application site irritation (includes local dryness, localized burning, localized erythema, localized tenderness, stinging of the skin)
Ophthalmic: Eye irritation
<1% (Limited to important or life-threatening): Abdominal distress, abdominal pain, diarrhea, facial edema, hypersensitivity reaction, skin rash
Concerns related to adverse effects:
- Superinfection: Prolonged use may result in fungal or bacterial superinfection, including C. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) and pseudomembranous colitis; CDAD has been observed >2 months postantibiotic treatment. Discontinue if significant diarrhea, abdominal cramps, or passage of blood and mucus occurs.
Concurrent drug therapy issues:
- Concurrent topical acne therapy: Use with caution especially with peeling, desquamating or abrasive agents; irritation may be cumulative. Discontinue use if irritation or dermatitis occurs.
Dosage form specific issues:
- Topical gel: May be flammable. Keep away from heat and flame.
Other warnings/precautions:
- Appropriate use: For topical use only; not for ophthalmic use. Avoid contact with eyes, nose, mouth, mucous membranes, or broken skin. Lack of improvement or worsening of acne may indicate microbial resistance. Alternative therapy may be required for severe acne (eg, nodular). Consider alternate therapy in patients with poor tolerance to macrolides or clindamycin.
B
Adverse events were not observed in animal reproduction studies. Erythromycin has been shown to cross the placenta following oral dosing. Refer to the Erythromycin (Systemic) monograph for details. The amount of erythromycin available systemically following topical application is considered to be very low (Akhavan, 2003). Systemic absorption would be required in order for erythromycin to cross the placenta and reach the fetus. Topical erythromycin may be used for the treatment of acne in pregnancy (Dreno, 2013; Eichenfield, 2013; Gollnick, 2003).
Antibacterial activity is due to inhibition of RNA-dependent protein synthesis at the chain elongation step; binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit resulting in blockage of transpeptidation. Alcohol component induces skin drying and peeling.
- Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)
- Patient may experience dry skin, itching, or peeling. Have patient report immediately to prescriber severe skin irritation, eye irritation, or signs of Clostridium difficile (C. diff)-associated diarrhea (stomach pain or cramps, very loose or watery stools, or bloody stools) (HCAHPS).
- Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.
Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for healthcare professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience and judgment in diagnosing, treating and advising patients.