Erythromycin

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Reviewed on Jan 19, 2026. by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer Next review due on July 02, 2028.

Last updated on Jan 19, 2026.

Product info

Erythromycin is an antibiotic that is used to manage skin conditions like rosacea.
It stops bacteria from growing, which allows your skin to heal.
The usual dose is two tablets twice a day.

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Prices include:

Express shipping
24 hour shipping by secure courier.
Consultation + Access to our clinicians
Ask our experts anything you like, any time you want.
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£159.95

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Erythromycin: essential info
Erythromycin: instructions
Important stuff you need to know
FAQ

What is Erythromycin?

Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic. It’s often prescribed to treat chest and lung infections, but it’s also effective against skin conditions like acne and rosacea. As rosacea and many types of acne are caused by inflammation, Erythromycin has antibacterial properties and helps bring down the inflammatory response and lets your skin heal.^[1]

The anti-inflammatory effects of Erythromycin stop bacteria from growing in clogged pores, allowing spots to disappear. Rosacea can mimic acne, in that there may be pimples across your face, but it’s main symptom is redness from blood vessels that may burst. It’s also caused by inflammation. Erythromycin can help alleviate your symptoms and heal your skin.

Erythromycin is used off-label for rosacea and folliculitis. ‘Off-label’ means using a medication for a purpose not officially approved by regulatory authorities or mentioned in the drug’s labelling. Still, there is plenty of evidence to support its effectiveness in treating these conditions, so this practice is relatively common.

How does Erythromycin work?

Erythromycin interrupts protein production in bacterial cells. This mechanism keeps the bacteria from multiplying and, in high enough doses, it kills them. This stops bacteria from growing on your skin and brings down the inflammatory response causing your skin condition.

When you take Erythromycin tablets, it’s quickly absorbed into your bloodstream and starts its antibiotic effects across your body, including your skin. It reaches peak concentration in your body around four hours after taking it. ^[1]

What doses of Erythromycin are there?

Erythromycin tablets come in two different doses: 250 mg and 500 mg. If you have more severe inflammation, the higher dose may be better for you. You will usually take one tablet every four to six hours until your course is finished. It’s important to finish your treatment, even if your skin is looking better.

Erythromycin also comes as a powder for other infections, and as a topical treatment for acne when mixed with other active ingredients. Talk to our clinician about your symptoms and we can help you find the right form and dose for you.

Treated trusted sources:

Farzam K, Nessel TA, Quick J. Erythromycin. 2021. StatPearls. Treasure Island.

This page was written by The Treated Content Team.

This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on July 02, 2025. Next review due on July 02, 2028.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

How to use Erythromycin

Taking Erythromycin is simple and easy. Swallow your tablet whole with water. Don’t crush, chew, or otherwise tamper with your medication, as that can reduce how effective it is. It’s best to take it right before you eat, or with your meal. ^[1] Make sure you take Erythromycin at the appropriate time. Taking it late or missing doses can prevent it from treating your infection successfully. Always follow your clinician’s advice on how to take Erythromycin tablets and ask if you have any questions.

How long does it take Erythromycin to work?

Erythromycin starts working in your system really quickly. But it may take a few weeks or months to see the full results. People often take Erythromycin for 10-12 weeks to see the full benefits on their skin. If it’s been a few weeks and your acne hasn’t improved, or it’s got worse, talk to your clinician. If you’re using our service, just log into your account and send us a message. Our clinical team might ask you to upload a picture of your skin and can look at alternative treatments for you.

What should I do if I make a mistake when using Erythromycin?

Taking Erythromycin as prescribed is very important. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue taking it as scheduled. Never double up on your dose to make up for a missed one.

Taking too much Erythromycin doesn’t usually lead to any severe complications. It may increase the likelihood of unpleasant side effects like diarrhoea and stomach discomfort, but it’s not normally a threat to your health. If you’re concerned about taking too much Erythromycin, reach out to your clinician for guidance. Don’t drink grapefruit juice whilst taking it. Grapefruit can increase the amount of erythromycin in your body, which increases your chances of side effects.^[1]

Treated trusted sources:

Erythromycin Tablets BP 250 mg, Patient Information Leaflet. 2021.

This page was written by The Treated Content Team.

This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on July 02, 2025. Next review due on July 02, 2028.

How we source info.

FAQ: Erythromycin

Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

How is Erythromycin different from other treatments for acne, folliculitis and rosacea?

Answer:

Erythromycin might be a good choice if topical treatments for acne, folliculitis or rosacea haven’t worked for you. It’s also good if your skin condition is more severe. It tackles the root cause of your inflammation, killing off the harmful bacteria so your skin can fully heal.

It’s one of the few antibiotics which is used to treat acne, folliculitis and rosacea. So if you’ve tried over the counter gels and creams and they haven’t helped to clear your skin, you may want to talk to your clinician about Erythromycin.

Is Erythromycin similar to any other treatments?

Answer:

Aknemycin Plus Solution is another treatment for acne containing erythromycin and tretinoin. It’s a topical treatment, so you apply it straight to your skin. There’s also Zineryt Solution, and it too is a topical drug for acne which contains both erythromycin and zinc. So if you’re interested in Erythromycin but you don’t want to take antibiotic tablets, these could be a good choice.

There are other antibiotic tablets used to treat acne as well, like lymecycline and doxycycline. Flucloxacillin is sometimes prescribed for folliculitis. So if Erythromycin isn’t the right treatment for you, you may want to try one of these. Just talk to our clinicians about your health and we’ll let you know what your options are.

How effective is Erythromycin?

Answer:

Erythromycin is a powerful treatment for skin conditions and has been used safely for multiple decades, so we know it’s safe and effective. One study found that after 12 weeks of treatment with erythromycin tablets for acne, 77% of participants found their acne had improved or significantly improved. ^[1]

Erythromycin also works well for rosacea. It’s especially effective due to its anti-inflammatory effects, and in bringing down symptoms during flare-ups.^[2]

If you’ve tried milder treatments for skin conditions and they haven’t worked effectively, Erythromycin is well worth considering.

Do I need a prescription for Erythromycin?

Answer:

Yes, you’ll need a clinician to prescribe you Erythromycin. It’s a strong antibiotic, so it’s not right for everyone. It’s also not recommended for very mild acne or rosacea, as it’s best to try some milder, over the counter treatments first.

If you’re interested in Erythromycin, talk to our clinicians about your health. We’ll just need to ask a few short questions to see if it’s a safe and suitable option for you. If it is, our expert clinicians can provide a prescription and have your treatment sent right to you.

Treated trusted sources:

Gammon, W., Meyer, C., Lantis, S., Shenefelt, P., Reizner, G. and Cripps, D., 1986. Comparative efficacy of oral erythromycin versus oral tetracycline in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 14(2), pp.183-186.
Abokwidir, M. and Feldman, S., 2016. Rosacea Management. Skin Appendage Disorders, 2(1-2), pp.26-34
Ni Riain, Una. “Guide to the Management of Bacterial Skin Infections.” Prescriber, vol. 19, no. 23-24, Dec. 2008, pp. 28–37, https://doi.org/10.1002/psb.323. Accessed 7 June 2019.