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.
Carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, and 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-year) 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 tera-togenicity or any other adverse effect on reproduction
in female rats fed erythromycin base (up to 0.25% 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 levels
are generally low.
Nursing women
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.
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies of erythromycin topical solution for the treatment of acne
vulgaris did not include subjects 65 years of age and older. Other reported
clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between elderly
and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot
be ruled out.