erythromycin + tretinoin at a glance
Medicine class
Topical macrolide antibiotic plus retinoid
Licensed use
Acne with comedones, papules or pustules, especially on very oily skin
Form
Clear, alcohol-based solution with a foam-pad applicator
Sun precautions
Minimise sunlight exposure and avoid sunbeds and sunlamps
What is erythromycin + tretinoin used for?
The selected product is licensed for:
Acne with comedones, including blackheads and blocked pores
Inflammatory acne with papules and pustules
Acne involving particularly oily skin
How does erythromycin + tretinoin work?
Erythromycin suppresses acne-associated bacteria and has local anti-inflammatory effects. Tretinoin increases skin-cell turnover, helping clear comedones and prevent blocked pores. The alcohol base also dissolves surface oil.
How to take erythromycin + tretinoin
Use only on the skin as directed by the prescriber.
Press the screw-cap top onto the foam pad until it clicks, invert the bottle to wet the pad, then wipe over the affected skin.
Avoid excessive application, skin folds and the angles of the nose.
Keep away from the eyes and eyelids. Rinse thoroughly with water after accidental contact.
Wash the solution from your fingers after application.
Do not apply before swimming.
Keep away from cigarettes and flames until completely dry because the solution is flammable.
erythromycin + tretinoin side effects
Common or expected effects
- Local redness, burning, dryness or peeling may occur, although these effects are reported as rare.
- Acne may temporarily appear more inflamed when treatment begins.
- Temporary lightening or darkening of treated skin has been reported rarely.
- Very rarely, local irritation may represent allergic contact eczema.
Get urgent medical advice
- A red, scaly rash with bumps beneath the skin or blisters needs urgent assessment.
- Stop treatment and seek medical advice if a significant allergic reaction is suspected.
erythromycin + tretinoin in pregnancy
Do not use during pregnancy or while planning pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs or the product was used during pregnancy, stop using it and contact the prescriber. Accidental exposure does not necessarily mean the baby has been harmed, and extra monitoring for major birth defects is not usually required beyond routine antenatal care.
erythromycin + tretinoin while breastfeeding
The selected product should be avoided while breastfeeding as a precaution. Discuss an alternative acne treatment with the prescriber.
erythromycin + tretinoin interactions
Review all products used on the same skin area, including non-prescription cosmetics and acne treatments.
Other topical medicines, especially keratolytics or exfoliators
Using them together can intensify irritation and is contraindicated by the selected product information.
Sunlight, sunbeds and sunlamps
Ultraviolet exposure can increase photosensitivity and irritation. Minimise sunlight and avoid artificial UV sources.
X-rays
Irritation may increase. Remove the solution from skin that will be X-rayed.
Common questions about erythromycin + tretinoin
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Does it treat both blackheads and inflamed spots?
Yes. It is licensed for acne with comedones and inflammatory acne with papules and pustules.
Why are erythromycin and tretinoin combined?
Erythromycin targets acne-associated bacteria and inflammation, while tretinoin helps clear blocked follicles by increasing skin-cell turnover.
What should I do if it gets in my eyes?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.