Erythromycin is prescribed to treat acute bacterial infections, such as respiratory infections, urine infections, skin infections, and mouth infections. It can be taken by adults and children. It works by killing the bacteria causing the infection. It is also prescribed for some longer-term skin conditions such as acne and rosacea.
Erythromycin is also available as an ingredient in some skin preparations used to treat acne - see the separate medicine leaflet called Erythromycin skin solution for acne for more information about this.