Akne-Mycin

1 What is Akne-Mycin?

Brand: Akne-Mycin, Theramycin Z, Erycette, ATS, Emcin, Erygel, Ery, Eryderm, Emgel, T-Stat

Generic: Erythromycin (Topical Route)

Erythromycin is an antibiotic belonging to a new group called macrolide. It is used for treatment of various systemic infections.

Topical form of erythromycin is available in the form of ointment, swab, gel, lotion and pad.

It is used in the treatment of acne by restricting the growth of the bacteria causing it.

It helps reduce pimples caused by bacterial growth and is also prescribed for other skin infections.

2 What to Know Before Using

The decision of starting any new medication or any treatment method is done after the patient has informed the physician any doubts in his/her mind, and has also been informed of all the details by physician.

Topical erythromycin should be used according to complete information from the consulting doctor.

It is ideal that doctor and patient work as a team and following things are considered:

Detailed history of a patient is extremely important prior to any medical therapy.

Allergies or any history of allergy to any drug, food, preservatives, dyes or animal products, history of drug usage, past medical or surgical procedure should also be kept in record to predict any drug interaction.

Physical examination should be done before starting this drug so that any physiological or pathological condition by which this drug may interfere may be ruled out.

Age specific assessment is much important for the safety of a patient. Geriatric studies have not been extensive to conclude the effectiveness of this combination in elderly.

However, its use has shown that there are no different side effects in elderly than in young adults. This drug combination also has similar side effects profile in children as that of adults.

Drug interactions may occur when many drugs are used together. Other drugs may enhance or diminish effects of erythromycin.

A consulting doctor should be well aware of the drug history of the patient and inform the patient about any possible effect Warfarin and clindamycin show drug interactions with erythromycin, hence their usage is restricted or limited to those times when erythromycin is not used.

Alcohol, tobacco and certain types of foods may also lead to increase in drug interactions.

3 Proper Usage

Wash the area on which drug has to be applied with water and soap followed by rinsing with water and pat drying.

If it has to be applied on an area which has been shaved recently, wait for 30 minutes before application of drug.

The swab, liquid and gel form of the drug contains alcohol as well and are highly inflammable.

It is important to keep the drug away from fire or direct exposure to sunlight to avoid any injury.

Use the drug as instructed by the doctor and avoid its overuse as it may lead to dryness and irritation of skin.

If any dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If time for next dose has arrived, take the next one and carry on with the cycle.

4 Precautions to Take

There are no specific requirements to be observed before, during and after the therapy, however, there are some tips which can optimize the working:

  • Good hygiene during application is the most important precaution, thus it is important to wash the area on which drug has to be applied carefully.
  • If acne does not improve within 3 to 4 weeks, consult a specialist doctor. It may take 8 to 10 weeks in some cases to have visible effects.
  • Application of any other drug prescribed with erythromycin should have a gap of at least 1 hour to avoid drug interactions.
  • Water based cosmetics can be used during therapy. It is recommended to avoid too heavy makeup as it may lead to dryness of skin.
  • Allergy to erythromycin or any other drug should be revealed to the consulting physician.
  • Storage of drug should in a dry environment with room temperature. Keep it away from the reach of children.
  • Keep it away from fire or smoke as its gel, swabs and lotion form contain alcohol too and are highly inflammable.
  • Regular visits to doctor should be made sure to see if the drug is working properly.
  • Consult the doctor if any serious problem is suspected.

5 Potential Side Effects

There is no life threatening side effect associated with the use of this drug.

As it is used topically, it reduces the effects on the body systems.

The most common side effects include stinging and burning sensation after its application.

The skin may become too dry if it is used too often. If it is applied too close to the eye, it may lead to eye irritation.

This should be followed by washing eye as soon as possible and if there is still some irritation, it is important to consult a health care worker.

Other types of skin infections and allergic reactions to the drug may occur rarely.

Any side effect which is present disappears completely after termination of drug.

6 Related Clinical Trials

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