Last updated: February 13, 2026
Overview and Product Profile
NDC 00006-0325 corresponds to Erythromycin Tablets, USP, 250 mg. Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic indicated for bacterial infections such as respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and sexually transmitted diseases. It faces competition from other antibiotics like azithromycin and clarithromycin but remains prescribed due to specific contraindications, allergies, or resistance patterns.
Current Market Size and Usage Trends
The U.S. prescription volume for erythromycin-based products was approximately 10 million prescriptions in 2022. The global bacterial infection treatment market exceeds $60 billion, with erythromycin occupying a modest share primarily due to its older status, replaced by broader-spectrum agents. In 2022, demand showed a slight decline, about 3%, attributable to rising resistance and substitution by newer antibiotics.
Market Players and Penetration
- Major pharmaceutical companies producing erythromycin include Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Perrigo, and Pfizer.
- Generic formulations dominate cost-sensitive markets.
- Limited new formulations or indications have emerged over the past five years, constraining growth.
Regulatory and Patent Landscape
Erythromycin's patents have expired, leading to widespread generic manufacturing, which limits pricing power. However, in specific jurisdictions, patents or exclusivity on formulation enhancements could influence regional pricing strategies temporarily.
Price Trends and Projections
| Timeframe |
Average Wholesale Price (AWP) per 250 mg tablet (USD) |
Notes |
| 2022 |
$0.15 |
Generic, widely available |
| 2023 |
$0.14 |
Slight decrease due to competition |
| 2024 (Projected) |
$0.12–$0.13 |
Further price erosion expected |
The average retail price per tablet remains around $0.30, with significant discounts for bulk purchases.
Factors Influencing Future Pricing
- Generics Competition: Market saturation drives prices downward; no patent protections shield erythromycin.
- Resistance Trends: Growing bacterial resistance may diminish prescribing frequency, potentially reducing volume but not necessarily price.
- Emerging Formulations: No significant novel formulations are projected to impact pricing in the near term.
- Regulatory Approvals: No recent approvals or label expansions suggest limited growth potential.
Market Dynamics and Potential Opportunities
- The drug will continue to be a cost-effective option where first-line antibiotics are contraindicated.
- Alternative therapies like azithromycin are preferred for convenience, owing to dosing differences.
- Critical for regional markets with limited access to newer antibiotics.
Summary of Price Projections (Next 2 Years)
- Prices will likely see marginal decreases—around 10–15%.
- The price floor for generic erythromycin tablets stabilizes near $0.10 per tablet in bulk wholesale scenarios.
- Retail prices may remain steady due to distribution and markup factors.
Key Takeaways
- NDC 00006-0325 (generic erythromycin 250 mg tablets) faces limited growth prospects.
- Market volume is declining slightly due to bacterial resistance and prescribing shifts.
- Prices are expected to decrease gradually, driven by intensified competition and the absence of patent barriers.
- Price erosion will stabilize near current low levels, maintaining erythromycin’s role as an affordable antibiotic.
- Future market opportunities are limited to regions with restricted access to newer antibiotics.
FAQs
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How does the price of erythromycin tablets compare to other antibiotics?
Erythromycin prices are generally lower than brand-name products like azithromycin, but in terms of generics, prices are comparable or slightly lower due to market saturation.
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Are there upcoming regulatory changes that could impact pricing?
No significant regulatory changes are anticipated for erythromycin. It remains an off-patent, generic drug with stable regulatory status.
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What is the primary driver behind price declines?
Increasing generic competition and market saturation pressure prices downward.
-
Will resistance development affect demand or price?
Growing resistance reduces prescribing volume, which can diminish revenue, though prices remain low due to high competition.
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Are there markets where erythromycin remains a preferred choice?
Yes, in regions with limited access to newer antibiotics, or where allergies or resistance patterns favor erythromycin use.
References
[1] IQVIA, 2022 Prescriptions Data.
[2] EvaluatePharma, Global Antibiotics Market 2023.
[3] U.S. FDA Database for Drug Approvals and Patents.
