ERYTHROMYCIN TOPICAL SOLUTION USP 2% | Erythromycin

FOR TOPICAL USE ONLY.

NOT FOR USE IN EYES.

Rx Only

DESCRIPTION

Erythromycin Topical Solution contains erythromycin 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: (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. It has the following structural formula:

Erythromycin is a white or slightly yellow crystalline powder that is very soluble in water, freely soluble in alcohols, acetone, chloroform, acetonitrile, ethyl acetate, and moderately soluble in ether, ethylene dichloride and amyl acetate.

Each mL of Erythromycin Topical Solution USP 2% contains 20 mg of erythromycin base in a vehicle consisting of alcohol (71.5%), and propylene glycol. It may contain citric acid to adjust pH.

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

Erythromycin Topical Solution is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Erythromycin Topical Solution 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 Topical Solution should receive the following information and instructions:

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 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: 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% of 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 Ievels are generally low.

Nursing Mothers: 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 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.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Erythromycin Topical Solution 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, shoulder, 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

Erythromycin Topical Solution USP, 2% is supplied as follows:

60 mL bottle with applicator NDC 0168-0215-60

Store in a dry place at temperatures between 15° - 25°C (59° - 77°F)[See USP Controlled Room Temperature].

E. FOUGERA & CO. A division of Nycomed US Inc.Melville, New York 11747

I2215D/IF2215FR11/07#85

NDC 0168-0215-60

Fougera

ERYTHROMYCIN

TOPICAL SOLUTION

USP 2%

60 mL

FOR TOPICAL USE ONLY.

NOT FOR USE IN EYES.

Rx only

E. FOUGERA & CO.

A division of Nycomed US Inc.

Melville, New York 11747

NDC 0168-0215-60

Fougera

ERYTHROMYCIN

TOPICAL

SOLUTION USP

2%

FOR TOPICAL

USE ONLY.

NOT FOR

USE IN EYES.

60 mL

Rx only

E. FOUGERA & CO.

A division of Nycomed US Inc.

Melville, New York 11747

Manufacturer

E. FOUGERA & CO., A division of Nycomed US Inc.

Active Ingredients

Source

• U.S. National Library of Medicine
• DailyMed
• Last Updated: 4 May 2013