1. Home
  2. Regulatory Information
  3. Search for FDA Guidance Documents
  4. Establishing Impurity Specifications for Antibiotics
  1. Search for FDA Guidance Documents

GUIDANCE DOCUMENT

Establishing Impurity Specifications for Antibiotics April 2026

Draft Level 1 Guidance

Not for implementation. Contains non-binding recommendations.

Docket Number:
FDA-2025-D-6130
Issued by:
Guidance Issuing Office
Center for Drug Evaluation and Research

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA, Agency, or we) is announcing the availability of a draft guidance for industry entitled “Establishing Impurity Specifications for Antibiotics.” The draft guidance provides recommendations regarding the establishment of specifications for organic impurities in antibiotics manufactured by fermentation and semi-synthesis. This draft guidance applies to antibiotic drugs subject to approval under new drug applications (NDAs) and abbreviated new drug applications (ANDAs) and associated type II drug substance drug master files (DMFs) referenced in antibiotic NDAs and ANDAs. This guidance also applies to nonprescription antibiotic drugs, often referred to as over-the-counter (OTC) monograph drugs. By providing these recommendations, FDA intends to clarify effective control strategies, support the development of high-quality antibiotic products, and promote consistency in quality standards.


Submit Comments

You can submit online or written comments on any guidance at any time (see 21 CFR 10.115(g)(5))

If unable to submit comments online, please mail written comments to:

Dockets Management
Food and Drug Administration
5630 Fishers Lane, Rm 1061
Rockville, MD 20852

All written comments should be identified with this document's docket number: FDA-2025-D-6130.

Back to Top