Can I use other topical acne medications in combination with erythromycin (Erygel)?

Erythromycin (Erygel) shouldn't be used with any other topical acne medications, unless your provider tells you to do so. Combining erythromycin (Erygel) with other topical acne treatments can raise the risk of skin irritation. Ask your provider if using multiple topical acne medications is right for you.

erythromycin

Generic Erygel

Used for Acne

Erythromycin (Erygel) is an effective topical antibiotic medication used to treat acne. Similar to other topical acne medications, it can cause peeling, burning, and dryness of the skin. It can take up to 8 weeks to see any improvements in your acne.

Reviewed by:

ThienLy Neal, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Last reviewed on July 21, 2021

What is Erythromycin (Erygel)?

What is Erythromycin (Erygel) used for?

Acne

How Erythromycin (Erygel) works

Erythromycin (Erygel) is a macrolide antibiotic. It treats your acne by preventing acne-causing bacteria from producing important nutrients they need to survive. It also contains alcohol, which helps to dry out acne-affected areas of skin.

Are you looking for information on oral erythromycin or erythromycin eye ointment instead?

Drug facts

Common Brands	Erygel, Ery
Drug Class	Macrolide antibiotic
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	Lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

Erygel, Ery

Drug Class

Macrolide antibiotic

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

Lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

Side effects of Erythromycin (Erygel)

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Burning sensation (25%)
Skin peeling
Dry skin

Less Common Side Effects

Itchy skin
Skin redness
Oily skin
Tender skin

Erythromycin (Erygel) serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Allergic reactions
Severe diarrhea

Source: DailyMed

The following Erythromycin (Erygel) side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Eye irritation not present before therapy

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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Avg retail price

$70.99(Save 61.12%)

$27.60

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Pros and cons of Erythromycin (Erygel)

Pros

A good option when over-the-counter acne treatments aren't working
Helpful if you have oily skin
Safe to use during pregnancy
Available as a lower-cost, generic medication

Cons

Can take 6 to 8 weeks to start working
Can cause skin irritation, burning, and peeling
Can be harsh if you typically have dry skin
Known to cause bacterial resistance (bacteria that are difficult to kill with antibiotics)

Pharmacist tips for Erythromycin (Erygel)

Erythromycin (Erygel) should only be used on your skin. Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, and mouth. Be careful when applying erythromycin (Erygel) to your face, and be sure to only apply it to the affected area.
Wash your hands well after using erythromycin (Erygel) to prevent it from getting in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If erythromycin (Erygel) gets in your eyes, rinse them well with water.
Wash and dry your face well before applying erythromycin (Erygel).
Erythromycin (Erygel) can take up to 8 weeks to start to work. Be patient, and try to stick with it. If you're not seeing improvement after then or if your acne gets worse at any point while you're using this medication, let your provider know.
Burning after using erythromycin (Erygel) is common, but if you notice a rash appear, please contact your healthcare provider.
Using a moisturizer that is oil-free and doesn't block your pores (non-comedogenic) can help lessen common side effects of erythromycin (Erygel), such as skin dryness and peeling.
Don't put erythromycin (Erygel) on cut, scraped, or damaged skin. Doing so raises your risk of side effects.

Common questions about Erygel

It can take a few weeks for you to see improvements in your acne. If your acne doesn't look any better after 6 to 8 weeks or if it gets worse, talk to your provider. You might need a different medication to treat your acne.

You should wait until Erygel has completely dried and absorbed into your skin before applying moisturizer. When choosing a moisturizer, make sure to choose one that is oil-free and will not clog your pores.

No, Erygel should be kept at room temperature and in its original container.

Erygel is considered to be a safe medication to use during pregnancy. If you become pregnant, it's important to always speak with your provider first about whether you should continue to use any of your medications.

Erygel shouldn't be used with any other topical acne medications, unless your provider tells you to do so. Combining Erygel with other topical acne treatments can raise the risk of skin irritation. Ask your provider if using multiple topical acne medications is right for you.

Risks and warnings for Erythromycin (Erygel)

Erythromycin (Erygel) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Severe diarrhea

Risk factors: History of Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea | History of Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis | History of local inflammation of the digestive tract

Like all antibiotics, erythromycin (Erygel) can cause diarrhea, because it gets rid of the good bacteria in your gut. However, this is very rare with topical medications. In rare cases, this diarrhea is caused by a bacteria called Clostridioides difficile (commonly called C. diff) that is usually kept under control by your gut bacteria. C. diff diarrhea is very contagious and can lead to life-threatening dehydration. If you have C. diff, be sure to wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds frequently and try to use a different bathroom from anyone living with you until you are better. Taking probiotic supplements while using erythromycin (Erygel) might help prevent this problem. Having bowel problems, like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, raises your risk of C. diff diarrhea while using antibiotics. Tell your provider if you have inflammatory bowel problems or have ever had severe diarrhea after using antibiotics before.

Drug-resistant bacteria

You should only use erythromycin (Erygel) as prescribed by your provider. Using too much erythromycin (Erygel) or for too long can lead to growth of bacteria that's resistant to many antibiotics (drug-resistant bacteria), which are much harder to treat.

Erythromycin (Erygel) dosage

The average cost for 1 tube of 30g of 2% of Erythromycin (Erygel) is $27.60 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 61.12% off the average retail price of $70.99.

Tube of gel

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
60g of 2%	1 tube	$34.66	$34.66
30g of 2%	1 tube	$27.60	$27.60

Typical dosage for Erythromycin (Erygel)

Before using the medication, wash your skin with warm water and soap, and pat dry.

Topical gel (Erygel): Gently spread a thin layer of the medication onto the affected area(s) of your skin once or twice a day.
Topical pads (Ery) or topical solution: Apply over the affected area(s) of your skin twice a day (morning and evening).

Interactions between Erythromycin (Erygel) and other drugs

Erythromycin (Erygel) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Erythromycin (Erygel). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.