Erythromycin
Erythromycin + zinc acetate (generic Zineryt) lotion, containing the antibiotic erythromycin, is used to treat acne as part of a treatment plan. Available to buy online from Dr Fox (supplied pre-mixed).
Start order
Buy Erythromycin online in UK
How to order Erythromycin + zinc acetate (generic Zineryt) online for UK delivery:
- Read medical information about acne treatment
- Answer medical questions to check for eligibility
- Reviewed by doctors - posted from UK pharmacy
Prices
| Acne treatment | Quantity | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Erythromycin + Zinc Acetate | 30mls (pre-mixed lotion) | £16.00 |
| Erythromycin + Zinc Acetate | 90mls (pre-mixed lotion) | £29.00 |
Price match guarantee
Prescription issued online - small prescription fee per order.
Prescription fees
Dr Fox supplies medicine on prescription and charges a small prescription fee based on the order value of each prescription.
Prescriptions are issued by our doctors online and sent electronically to our pharmacy.
| Order value | Prescription fee |
|---|---|
| up to £10 | £1.00 |
| up to £20 | £2.00 |
| up to £40 | £3.00 |
| over £40 | £4.00 |
If you have your own private paper prescription please post to our pharmacy (details).
Dr Fox prices are 25%–50% lower than other UK online clinics.
| Erythromycin pre-mixed lotion | Dr Fox* | Boots Online Doctor | ASDA Online Doctor | Superdrug Online Doctor | Click2Pharmacy | The Independent Pharmacy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erythromycin + Zinc Acetate 30mls | £16.00 | £20.00 | £19.50 | £30.00 | £18.99 | £29.99 |
| UK delivery | £2.90 | Free | Free | £3.99 | £3.20 | Free |
Delivery charges
UK delivery only: £2.90 per consultation via Royal Mail Tracked 24 Signed For (1-3 working days with tracking).
Parcel forwarding services are not permitted. Use only UK home or work delivery address.
Returns and refunds - unwanted items can be returned within 14 working days for a full refund.
About erythromycin lotion
- Erythromycin is a prescription-only antibiotic lotion used to treat acne whiteheads and pustules.
- Erythromycin lotion is applied twice daily to affected areas for 10-12 weeks.
- Branded Zineryt is discontinued - generic erythromycin 40mg + zinc acetate 12mg lotion is available.
- Read the patient leaflet for a full list of side effects, cautions, and interactions with other drugs.
- Step 3 in the Dr Fox treatment plan.
How does erythromycin lotion work?
Erythromycin lotion works by reducing the numbers of the skin bacteria (cutibacterium acnes) which are associated with acne.
Erythromycin 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 erythromycin lotion for?
Erythromycin lotion works especially well on the whiteheads of mild acne. It is recommended at Step 3 of the Dr Fox acne treatment plan. Erythromycin lotion is suitable for all ages but Dr Fox supplies to over 18s only.
Who should not use erythromycin lotion
Erythromycin lotion contains the very safe antibiotic erythromycin so most people can use it. The exception being 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 erythromycin lotion
Please note: pharmacists are required to pre-mix erythromycin lotion before posting, and once constituted the lotion has an 8-week shelf life.
Full instructions are listed in the manufacturer's patient information leaflet.
Wash and dry the acne affected area. Apply erythromycin lotion 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 erythromycin lotion 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 erythromycin lotion and consult a doctor.
Erythromycin lotion should be stopped after 10-12 weeks as the acne bacteria may develop resistance to the antibiotic if used more frequently. It can be restarted after a 6 month break if the acne has returned.
Erythromycin lotion side effects and cautions
Erythromycin lotion does not usually cause side effects.
Erythromycin lotion should not be used if there is known allergy to erythromycin or other macrolide antibiotics, e.g. clindamycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin.
If an allergic reaction is suspected, stop use and consult a doctor.
Erythromycin lotion can be used by pregnant and breastfeeding women, but women who are breastfeeding should not apply the lotion 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 erythromycin lotion, 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 erythromycin lotion.
Other antibiotics used to treat acne are clindamycin found in Duac topical preparation, and 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.
Patient Information Leaflet
The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) is the leaflet included in the pack with a medicine and must be read before taking the medicine. It is written for patients and gives information about taking or using a medicine.
Erythromycin lotion FAQs
Do I have to use erythromycin lotion twice a day?
Yes. The antibiotic in erythromycin lotion does not last very long on the skin so it needs to be reapplied twice a day. Using it less often is more likely to encourage resistance to the antibiotic.
How long should I use erythromycin lotion for?
Erythromycin lotion should be used for up to 3 months (10-12 weeks) and then stopped. It can be restarted after a break of 6 months if needed again.
Can I wear makeup with erythromycin lotion?
Yes. Makeup can be applied if using erythromycin lotion. Apply it after the lotion but make sure that the lotion is completely dry first. Use oil-free non-comedogenic, non-acnegenic cosmetics.
Zineryt hasn't worked - what next?
Erythromycin lotion needs to be used for at least 8 weeks for the best effect. If acne has not improved by then, either swap to another step 3 treatment, i.e. Duac or Epiduo, or move onto lymecycline capsules from step 4 of the Dr Fox acne treatment plan.
See also FAQs: Acne and treatment options.
Authored 19 November 2015 by Dr B. Babor
NHS GP & dermatology specialist. MB ChB Dundee University 1996. GMC no. 4336464
Reviewed by Dr C. Pugh, Dr A. Wood
Last reviewed 27 September 2024
Last updated 12 March 2025
Editorial policy
References
- Neon Healthcare, 2023, Erythromycin/Zinc acetate 40 mg/12 mg powder and solvent for cutaneous solution: Summary of Product Characteristics, accessed 06 October 2021
Recent Zineryt reviews
Zineryt rated 4.83/5 in 64 product reviews
See over 50,000 service reviews of Dr Fox
It really works. After 2 weeks using it, my acne is clearing up and is not so inflamed.
16 March 2025
Anonymous
Verified
Starting to clear skin. Better than other treatments I have tried.
17 June 2025
Anonymous
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Acne significantly reduced with regular use.
24 October 2024
Anonymous
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Great works so well and keeps my face clear.
03 October 2024
S. Edwards
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Excellent it has really improved my acne. The doctor fox service is amazing.
12 September 2024
Anonymous
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The order process
Choose medication, register, and pay
Dr Fox issues prescription online
Pharmacy team post medication direct
