The following side effects are expected to occur with the use of erythromycin. Contact your doctor if these symptoms are severe and/or do not go away:
How Common (based on clinical studies)
| Skin peeling | Up to 33% of all users |
| Redness and/or warmth in the area | Up to 24% of all users |
| Skin dryness | Up to 12.9% of all users |
| Increased skin oiliness | Up to 9.7% of all users |
| Itching | Up to 9.7% of all users |
| Burning, stinging or tingling sensation | Up to 8% of all users |
| Skin tightness | Up to 1.25% of all users |
Erythromycin may cause some side effects that are serious. If you experience any of the following uncommon side effects, get in touch with your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:
- A sudden appearance of swelling and rash (known as hives)
- Severe abdominal pain or cramps
- Irritation or swelling of the eye or eyelid
- Signs of fungal infection in the skin or nails such as discoloration, itching, or irritation
- Severe diarrhea
- Appearance of blood or mucus in stool
- Swelling of any parts of the face
Erythromycin may also cause other side effects that are not mentioned here. Contact your doctor if you experience any other troublesome symptoms when using erythromycin.
References
- UpToDate. Erythromycin (topical): drug information. Available from: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/erythromycin-topical-drug-information?source=search_result&search=erythromycin&selectedTitle=1~146. Cited 1 February, 2017
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- Leyden JJ, Shalita AR, Saatjian GD, and Sefton J. Erythromycin 2% gel in comparison with clindamycin phosphate 1% solution in acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 16(4), 822-827 (1987).
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