Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Erythromycin belongs to the macrolide class of antibiotics and operates by inhibiting bacterial growth. The medication is used to treat bacterial infections including respiratory tract infections like bronchitis, pneumonia, Legionnaires’ disease, and pertussis; diphtheria; sexually transmitted diseases like syphilis; and ear, intestine, gynecological, urinary tract, and skin infections. It also serves as prophylaxis for recurrent rheumatic fever.
Antibiotics like erythromycin are not effective against viral infections such as the common cold or flu. Overuse of antibiotics can increase the risk of developing infections that are resistant to treatment.
Uses and Dosage
Erythromycin is available in various forms including capsules, tablets, delayed-release capsules, delayed-release tablets, and oral suspension.
The medication should be taken orally with or without food, at an interval of 6 hours (four times a day), 8 hours (three times a day), or 12 hours (twice a day), as indicated on the prescription label. Follow the instructions provided by the healthcare provider and take the medication exactly as directed.
Capsules and tablets should be taken whole with a full glass of water and should not be chewed or crushed. The oral suspension should be well-shaken before each use to ensure even distribution of the medication. Accurate dosing can be achieved using the measuring spoon, dropper, or cup that came with the medication or a measuring spoon specifically designed for medication. Avoid using household spoons to measure the dose.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- mild diarrhea
- nausea
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
- chills
- cough
- diarrhea
- difficulty with swallowing
- dizziness
- fast heartbeat
- hives or welts, skin rash
- joint or muscle pain
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- red, irritated eyes
- red skin lesions, often with a purple center
- redness of the skin
- sore throat
- sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
- tightness in the chest
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Caution
Before taking erythromycin, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have an allergy to erythromycin, other macrolide antibiotics (such as azithromycin or clarithromycin), or any other allergies.
Erythromycin may cause QT prolongation, a condition affecting heart rhythm, which in rare cases can lead to serious and potentially fatal symptoms, such as fast/irregular heartbeat and severe dizziness or fainting. The risk of QT prolongation may be increased by certain medical conditions or the use of other medications that cause QT prolongation. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all medications you take and any relevant medical conditions you have, such as heart problems or a family history of heart problems.
If you have low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood, or if you use diuretics or have conditions such as excessive sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting, you may be at an increased risk of QT prolongation. Your doctor can advise you on using erythromycin safely in these cases.
Erythromycin may pass into breast milk, consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Erythrocin is available in the following forms and strengths:
-
Erythrocin tablet:
- 250mg
-
erythromycin tablet:
- 250mg
FAQ
How does erythromycin make you feel?
The most common side-effects are feeling sick (nausea) and tummy (abdominal) discomfort. These are usually mild and may be reduced by taking your doses after a meal or snack.
How quickly does erythromycin take to work?
For most infections, you should feel better within a few days.
Resources
- https://patient.info/medicine/erythromycin-erythrocin-erythroped#:~:text=The%20most%20common%20side%2Deffects,after%20a%20meal%20or%20snack
- https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/erythromycin/common-questions-about-erythromycin/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/erythromycin-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20075495?p=1
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-5390/erythrocin-as-stearate-oral/details
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682381.html
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532249/
