What is Akne-Mycin (Erythromycin Topical)?
Erythromycin topical is an antibiotic that fights skin infection caused by bacteria.
Erythromycin topical is used to treat bacterial infections such as severe acne.
Erythromycin topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Akne-Mycin (Erythromycin Topical)?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
If you miss a dose, use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
It may take several weeks of using this medication before you notice improvement in your condition. Do not stop using erythromycin topical if you do not see results right away.
Call your doctor if your condition does not improve within 6 weeks of using this medication.
Avoid your eyes, nose, mouth, and lips when applying erythromycin topical. If medication gets in any of these areas, wash with water.
Stop using this medication and get emergency medical help if you think you have used too much medicine, or if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or is especially bothersome.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Akne-Mycin (Erythromycin Topical)?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to erythromycin.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Erythromycin topical can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Akne-Mycin Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Akne-Mycin (Erythromycin Topical)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using erythromycin topical and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- oozing, redness, or other signs of skin infection
- worsening of your skin condition; or
- diarrhea that is watery or bloody
Less serious side effects may include:
- burning, stinging
- dryness, oiliness
- itching
- peeling; or
- mild eye irritation
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Akne-Mycin Interactions
What other drugs affect Akne-Mycin (Erythromycin Topical)?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied erythromycin. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Akne-Mycin (Erythromycin Topical)?
Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps or shampoos or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime. Do not use other medicated skin products unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, mouth, and nose, or on your lips. If it does get into any of these areas, wash with water. Do not use erythromycin topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin. Also avoid using this medication in open wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using erythromycin topical.
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.
Akne-Mycin Dosage
How should I take Akne-Mycin (Erythromycin Topical)?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.
Wash your hands before and after using this medication.
Clean and dry the skin area before you apply erythromycin topical. This medication is usually applied in the morning and evening. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
It may take several weeks of using this medication before you notice improvement in your condition. Do not stop using erythromycin topical if you do not see results right away.
Call your doctor if your condition does not improve within 6 weeks of using this medication.
Store erythromycin topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I overdose on Akne-Mycin (Erythromycin Topical)?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
An overdose of erythromycin topical applied to the skin is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.
What happens if I miss a dose of Akne-Mycin (Erythromycin Topical)?
Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Edited from everydayhealth.com