Drug Facts
Composition & Profile
Identifiers & Packaging
HOW SUPPLIED Erythromycin Topical Gel USP, 2% is available as follows: 30 g sealed metal tube (NDC 63629-8652-1) Repackaged/Relabeled by: Bryant Ranch Prepack, Inc. Burbank, CA 91504; Erythromycin 2% Gel, #30 Label
- HOW SUPPLIED Erythromycin Topical Gel USP, 2% is available as follows: 30 g sealed metal tube (NDC 63629-8652-1) Repackaged/Relabeled by: Bryant Ranch Prepack, Inc. Burbank, CA 91504
- Erythromycin 2% Gel, #30 Label
Overview
Erythromycin Topical Gel 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 dermatological 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 C 37 H 67 NO 13 . It has the following structural formula: Erythromycin has a molecular weight of 733.94. It is a white or slightly yellow, odorless or practically odorless, bitter crystalline powder. Erythromycin is very soluble in very polar organic solvents such as alcohols, acetone, chloroform, acetonitrile and ethyl acetate. It is moderately soluble in less polar solvents such as ether, dichloroethylene and amyl acetate. It is slightly soluble in nonpolar solvents such as hexane. It is very poorly soluble in water. Each gram of Erythromycin Topical Gel USP, 2% contains 20 mg of erythromycin USP in a vehicle consisting of dehydrated alcohol and hydroxypropyl cellulose.
Indications & Usage
Erythromycin Topical Gel USP, 2% is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.
Dosage & Administration
Erythromycin Topical Gel USP, 2% should be applied sparingly as a thin film to affected area(s) once or twice a day after the skin is thoroughly cleansed and patted dry. If there has been no improvement after 6 to 8 weeks, or if the condition becomes worse, treatment should be discontinued, and the physician should be reconsulted. Spread the medication lightly rather than rubbing it in. There are no data directly comparing the safety and efficacy of b.i.d. versus q.d. dosing.
Warnings & Precautions
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.
Contraindications
Erythromycin Topical Gel USP, 2% is contraindicated in those individuals who have shown hypersensitivity to any of its components.
Adverse Reactions
In controlled clinical trials, the incidence of burning associated with erythromycin topical gel USP, 2% was approximately 25%. 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 also been reported with the topical use of erythromycin. A generalized urticarial reaction, possibly related to the use of erythromycin, which required systemic steroid therapy has been reported.
Storage & Handling
STORAGE Note - FLAMMABLE. Keep away from heat and flame. Store and dispense in original container. Keep tube tightly closed. Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
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