Zineryt (erythromycin in solution)

How does Zineryt (erythromycin in solution)work?
Zineryt works by reducing the number of skin bacteria (cutibacterium acnes) that are associated with acne.

Zineryt contains erythromycin, which is one of the macrolide group of antibiotics. Other examples of macrolides are clarithromycin and azithromycin. It also contains zinc which helps to reduce the build-up of antibiotic resistance and encourages skin healing.

Who is Zineryt for?
Zineryt works especially well on the whiteheads of mild acne. It is recommended at Step 3 of the Dr Fox acne treatment plan. Zineryt is suitable for all ages but Dr Fox supplies to over 18s only.

Who should not use Zineryt?
Zineryt contains the very safe antibiotic erythromycin so most people can use it. The exception is an allergy to erythromycin or other similar antibiotics (see below).

Do not use on cuts, grazes, sunburn, or eczema.

Do not use at the same time as other antibiotics to treat acne.

How to use Zineryt
Full instructions are listed in the manufacturer’s patient information leaflet.

Wash and dry the acne-affected area. Apply Zineryt twice daily using the applicator pad attached to the bottle. Apply thinly, washing off any excess or any solution in contact with the eyes, mouth, or inside the nose.

Allow Zineryt to dry before applying makeup.

It may take a few weeks of use, and up to 8 weeks for best results. If acne gets worse, or there is no improvement after 8 weeks, stop Zineryt and consult a doctor.

Zineryt should be stopped after 10-12 weeks as the acne bacteria may develop resistance to the antibiotic if Zineryt is used more frequently. It can be restarted after a 6-month break if the acne has returned.

Zineryt side effects and cautions
Zineryt does not usually cause side effects.

As Zineryt contains erythromycin it should not be used if there is a known allergy to erythromycin or other macrolide antibiotics, e.g. clindamycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin.

If an allergic reaction is suspected, stop the Zineryt and consult a doctor.

Zineryt can be used by pregnant and breastfeeding women, but women who are breastfeeding should not apply Zineryt to the chest area.

Further information is available in the manufacturer’s patient information leaflet.

Other acne treatments
A range of acne treatments are available from Dr Fox.

Peeling and anti-inflammatory topical preparations, such as Differin and Epiduo can be used at the same time with Zineryt, although this increases the chances of localised side effects, such as skin irritation. If using a peeling/anti-inflammatory acne treatment as well, use it first and allow it to dry before applying Zineryt.

Other antibiotics used to treat acne are clindamycin found in Duac topical preparation, Lymecycline, other tetracyclines, and clarithromycin taken as tablets or capsules.

Some women find that combined contraceptive pills can improve acne.

People with severe acne including scarring, may benefit from seeing a dermatologist to consider Roaccutane (isotretinoin) tablet treatment.