home > drugs a-z list > erygel (erythromycin topical gel) drug center > erygel (erythromycin topical gel) drug - clinical pharmacology

The exact mechanism by which erythromycin reduces lesions of acne vulgaris is not fully known; however, the effect appears to be due in part to the antibacterial activity of the drug.

Microbiology

Erythromycin acts by inhibition of protein synthesis in susceptible organisms by reversibly binding to 50S ribosomal subunits, thereby inhibiting translocation of aminoacyl transfer-RNAand inhibiting polypeptide synthesis. Antagonism has been demonstrated in vitro between erythromycin, lincomycin, chloramphenicol, and clindamycin.

Last reviewed on RxList: 9/10/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.