Checked
Ery
erythromycin · Ery is a macrolide (prescription) containing erythromycin, made by Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
- Type
- Prescription
- Drug class
- Macrolide
- Route
- Topical
- Manufacturers
- 1
- + 2 repackager labels
Ery 2% Pads are indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.
Related recalls
FDA drug recalls that name this drug or its active ingredient
- Class IIDrugOngoing05/27/2026Erythromycin Tablets, USP, 250 mg, 30 tablets per bottle, Rx only, Manufactured by: Zydus Lifesciences...Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc · 2 products · CGMP Deviations; presence of N-Nitroso-Desmethyl-Erythromycin...
- Class IIDrugOngoing01/25/2023ERYTHROMYCIN OPHTHALMIC OINTMENT USP 0.5%, Net Weight: 3.5g (1/8 oz) per tube, Rx Only, Manufactured by...Akorn, Inc. · 2 products · CGMP Deviations:
- Class IIDrugOngoing05/11/2022Erythromycin Topical Gel USP, 2%, Net Wt 60 g tube, Rx only, Manufactured by: Teligent Pharma, Inc. Buena...McKesson Corporation dba McKesson Drug Company · CGMP Deviations: all products within expiry are being recalled...
- Class IIDrug02/23/2022Erythromycin Topical Gel USP, 2%, Net Wt 30 g tube, Rx only, Manufactured by: Teligent Pharma, Inc....Teligent Pharma, Inc. · Failed Impurities/Degradation Specifications: Lot not meeting...
- Class IIDrugOngoing09/01/2021Erythromycin Topical Solution USP, 2%, 60mL bottle, Rx only, Teligent Pharma, Inc. Buena, NJ 08310, NDC...Teligent Pharma, Inc. · Defective container: possibility for lack of seal integrity.
Uses
Ery 2% Pads are indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.
Dosage and administration
The Ery 2% Pads should be rubbed over the affected area twice a day (morning and evening) after skin is thoroughly washed with warm water and soap and patted dry. Acne lesions on the face, neck, shoulders, chest, and back may be treated in this manner. Additional pledgets may be used, if needed. Each pledget should be used once and discarded. Wash hands after application. Close jar tightly after each use. Drying and peeling may be controlled by reducing the frequency of applications.
Contraindications
Ery 2% Pads are contraindicated in those individuals who have shown hypersensitivity to any of its components.
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.
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. Information for Patients - Patients using Ery 2% Pads should receive the following information and instructions: 1. This medication is to be used as directed by the physician. It is for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes, nose, mouth, and all mucous membranes. 2. This medication should not be used for any disorder other than that for which it was prescribed. 3. Patients should not use any other topical acne medication unless otherwise directed by their physician. 4. Patients should report to their physician any signs of local adverse reactions. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, 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 teratogenicity 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.
Side effects (adverse reactions)
The following 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 topical use of erythromycin. Generalized urticarial reactions, possibly related to the use of erythromycin, which required systemic steroid therapy have been reported.
Pregnancy
Teratogenic Effects: Pregnancy Category B - There was no evidence of teratogenicity 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.
Breastfeeding
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.
Use in children
- Safety and effectiveness of this product in pediatric patients have not been established.
Description
Ery 2% Pads contain erythromycin, USP for topical dermatologic 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: The chemical name for erythromycin is (3 R *,4 S *,5 S *,6 R *,7 R *,9 R *,11 R *,12 R *,13 S *,14 R *)-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. Erythromycin has the molecular weight of 733.94. It is a white or slightly yellow, crystalline powder, slightly soluble in water, soluble in alcohol, in chloroform, and in ether. It is odorless or practically odorless. It has a pH range between 8.0 and 10.5 in a methanol and water solution prepared by diluting 1 volume of a methanol solution, containing 40 mg per mL, with 19 volumes of water. Each mL of expressible liquid contains 20 mg erythromycin in a base of dehydrated alcohol, propylene glycol and citric acid to adjust pH. Each pledget is filled to contain 0.8 mL of Erythromycin Topical Solution 2%. Chemical structure
How supplied
Ery 2% Pads are available as follows: A plastic jar containing 60 pledgets (NDC 45802- 962 -72) Each pledget is filled to contain 0.8 mL of Erythromycin Topical Solution 2%.
Storage and handling
STORAGE Keep jar tightly closed. Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Forms and strengths
From the FDA NDC Directory · 3 product codes
| Dosage form | Strength | Route | NDCs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swab | 20 mg/mL | topical | 3 |
What pharmacies pay
National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC), week of 10/28/2026
Pharmacies paid about $1.24 per tablet, capsule or unit across 1 package code.
NADAC is a survey of what retail pharmacies pay to buy a drug. It is not the price you pay at the counter, which depends on your insurance and the pharmacy.
Side effect reports to FDA
FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), 18,650 reports that list erythromycin, data through 07/30/2026
Anyone can report a problem to FDA, and a report does not mean the drug caused the problem. Reports can be duplicated or incomplete, and counts depend on how widely a drug is used. Do not stop or change a medicine because of this list. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Most often reported reactions
- Drug hypersensitivity4,114
- Nausea1,309
- Vomiting1,143
- Diarrhea1,098
- Drug ineffective1,092
- Dyspnea1,068
- Fatigue1,056
- Rash1,034
- Off label use957
- Headache885
To report a side effect, use FDA MedWatch.
Manufacturers and labels
3 FDA labels · 2 from repackagers
- Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals LtdShown hereANDA064126 · Label 10/31/2025 · NDC 45802-962Full label
Repackager labels (2)
- Bryant Ranch Prepack12/24/2024
- Bryant Ranch Prepack07/17/2023
Ery: common questions
- What is Ery used for?
- Ery 2% Pads are indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.
- What are the side effects of Ery?
- The following local adverse reactions have been reported occasionally: peeling, dryness, itching, erythema, and oiliness. See the full side effects section on this page, and ask your doctor or pharmacist about any side effect that bothers you.
- Is Ery a prescription drug?
- Yes. Ery is a prescription (Rx) drug.
- Are there other products with the same active ingredient as Ery?
- Yes. Other FDA-listed products with the same active ingredients include Erythromycin, Ery-Tab, Erythromycin Topical Solution 2%.
Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, openFDA drug label (SPL) and NDC Directory · Last updated 10/31/2025 · Label text is shown as published by the manufacturer. Not medical advice