What is Erythrocin/Erythromycin Stearate used for?

This medicine is used to treat mild to moderate infections caused by certain bacteria. It may also be used to prevent certain bacteria infections.

If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is only to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

How should Erythrocin/Erythromycin Stearate be stored?

Store below 86 degrees F.

General drug information:

When should Erythrocin/Erythromycin Stearate not be taken?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine

What precautions should I follow when taking Erythrocin/Erythromycin Stearate?

Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine if you have any other medical condition

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Erythrocin/Erythromycin Stearate?

This medicine can cause significant hepatic dysfunction and colitis. If symptoms suggestive of these diseases occur, discontinue treatment with this medicine and seek immediate medical attention.

What are the side effects of Erythrocin/Erythromycin Stearate?

Most severe:  Severe allergic reactions; reversible hearing loss; irregular heartbeat; yellowing of the skin or eyes; hallucinations; seizures; severe bloody diarrhea; severe stomach cramps.

Most common:  Nausea; vomiting; stomach pain; diarrhea; appetite loss.

Other:  Confusion; feeling of whirling motion; chest pain; dizziness; pounding in the chest; hives; mild skin eruptions.

How should I take Erythrocin/Erythromycin Stearate?

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Take this medicine on an empty stomach just before meals. If stomach upset occurs, take with food. Take with a full glass of water (6 to 8 ounces). If severe diarrhea, stomach cramps/pain, or bloody stools occurs, contact your doctor at once. This could be a symptom of serious side effects that require instant medical attention. Stop using this medicine and contact your doctor if chest pain, difficulty breathing, mouth sores, rash, hives, itching, or sensitivity to light occurs. These may be signs of an allergic reaction. Continue use until all of the prescribed medicine has been taken. Failure to take all of the medicine may prevent complete elimination of the bacteria, allowing the infection to return. Lab tests may be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your health care provider. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medicine. Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your doctor or health care provider. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your health care provider. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.