Erythromycin 250mg Tablets (For Perioral Dermatitis)

Erythromycin is an antibiotic that is effective in reducing the redness and spots associated with rosacea. It is taken twice a day and we would recommend taking for a minimum of 2-3 months for maximum effect. It is useful for those who cannot tolerate the side effects of tetracycline antibiotics (e.g. Doxycycline, Lymecycline) or wish to try an alternative, or for those who are pregnant or breast feeding. It can be used alone or combined with other topical treatments for rosacea such as Rozex, Soolantra or Finacea. If you are unsure if this product is suitable for you then please read our rosacea guide, send us a WhatsApp message or book in for a telephone or video consultation. Alternatively start a questionnaire-based consultation and if it is not appropriate, we will suggest an alternative.

Erythromycin is an antibiotic from the macrolide class which is bacteriostatic i.e., it reduces the number of bacteria on the skin, and anti-inflammatory. It specifically targets bacteria that may be implicated in rosacea such as Staphylococcus Epidermidis. The reduction of bacteria and inflammation will lead to a reduction in overall symptoms of rosacea including redness and reducing the number of spots.

• The usual dose for Perioral Dermatitis treatment is Two tablets (500mg) Twice daily for 4 weeks
• Swallow whole with a glass of water and take just before or with food.
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• If the condition goes away after finishing the course, but comes back now and again, the course can usually be repeated.

• Do not take Erythromycin if you are allergic to or suspect allergy to any of the ingredients listed, if you have abnormally low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood, if you or your family have a history heart disorders, decreased liver or kidney function or hereditary blood disorders.

• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Erythromycin if you have liver problems or kidney, previously experienced diarrhoea with antibiotics, suffer from Myasthenia Gravis, are taking statin medications, are taking other medications that can disturb heart rhythm or if you have heart problems.

• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Erythromycin if you take any of the following medications as they may interact (this list is not exhaustive and please check the patient information leaflet for a full list): Astemizole, Terfenadine, Mizolastine, Domperidone, Pimozide, Ergotamine, Cisapride, Statins, Antivirals, Oral Contraceptives, Colchicine, Cimetidine, Omeprazole, Antifungals, Warfarin, Verapamil, St John’s Wort, Zopiclone, Digoxin, Theophyline, Clarithromycin, Phenytoin, Quinidine, Midazolam, Tacrolimus, Valproate, Tolterodine

Whilst Erythromycin is generally regarded as safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding, it should only be used if clearly needed. We would advise speaking to a healthcare professional first to discuss the risks versus benefits of the treatment in more detail.

Active Ingredients: Erythromycin 250mg 

Other Ingredients: Maize starch, Croscarmellose sodium Type A, Povidone, Talc, Magnesiumstearate (E572), Hypromellose (E464), Macrogol 6000, Erythrosine (E127), Methacrylic acidethylacrylate copolymer (1:1) and Polysorbate 80 (E433).

All medications and products can potentially cause side effects- If they are severe, or are mild and do not improve, then you should speak to your pharmacist or doctor immediately. This list may not be exhaustive so please consult the patient information leaflet for the full list.


Common Side effects (affecting 1%- 10% of people): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal discomfort. Headache, hearing impairment, insomnia, skin reactions, altered taste, and vision disorders
Uncommon Side effects (affecting 0.1%-1% of people): Hepatotoxicity (including cholestatic jaundice), QT interval prolongation, and arrhythmias

There are many other Rosacea treatments available which are listed in our Rosacea guide. If you need help choosing, then start a quick questionnaire-based consultation or book in for a friendly telephone or video consultation with one of our dermatology pharmacists.