Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Erythromycin is prescribed to treat specific bacterial infections affecting various areas of the body. These infections include respiratory tract infections like bronchitis, pneumonia, Legionnaires’ disease, and pertussis. It is additionally effective against diphtheria (a severe throat infection), sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), as well as ear, intestine, gynecological, urinary tract, and skin infections. Belonging to the class of medications known as macrolide antibiotics, erythromycin operates by halting the growth of bacteria.
Uses and Dosage
Erythromycin is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, delayed-release capsules, delayed-release tablets, and an oral suspension (liquid) for oral consumption. Typically, it is taken with or without food every 6 hours (four times a day), every 8 hours (three times a day), or every 12 hours (twice a day).
Follow the prescribed dosage precisely; do not exceed or reduce it, or take it more frequently than instructed by your doctor.
Before each use, shake the suspension well to ensure even mixing of the medication.
When using the suspension, avoid using a household spoon to measure your dose. Instead, utilize the measuring spoon, dropper, or cup provided with the medication, or opt for a spoon specifically designed for measuring medication.
Swallow capsules and tablets whole with a full glass of water; do not chew or crush them.
Continue taking erythromycin even if you start feeling better. Refrain from discontinuing the medication without consulting your doctor.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- upset stomach
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- stomach pain
- loss of appetite
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- rash
- itching
- hives
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- wheezing
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- dark urine
- pale stools
- unusual tiredness
- pain in the upper right part of the stomach
- seizures
- fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- severe diarrhea (watery or bloody stools) that may occur with or without fever and stomach cramps (may occur up to 2 months or more after your treatment)
Caution
- Before taking erythromycin, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have an allergy to it, other macrolide antibiotics (such as azithromycin, clarithromycin), or any other allergies. Inactive ingredients in the product may trigger allergic reactions or other complications.
- Prior to using this medication, disclose your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or a specific type of muscle disease called myasthenia gravis.
- Erythromycin may lead to a condition affecting heart rhythm known as QT prolongation. This condition can rarely cause serious, potentially fatal fast or irregular heartbeat, along with symptoms like severe dizziness or fainting, which require immediate medical attention.
- The risk of QT prolongation may escalate if you have certain medical conditions or are taking medications that can cause QT prolongation. Before using erythromycin, inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medications you are taking and whether you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), or a family history of specific heart issues (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).
- Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also heighten the risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase with the use of certain drugs (such as diuretics or “water pills”) or if you experience conditions like severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Discuss with your doctor the safe use of erythromycin in such cases.
- Erythromycin may diminish the effectiveness of live bacterial vaccines (such as the typhoid vaccine). Inform your healthcare provider before undergoing any immunizations or vaccinations.
- Certain erythromycin products may contain sodium. Seek guidance from your doctor or pharmacist if you are on a salt-restricted diet or have a condition that may worsen with increased salt intake, such as heart failure.
- Older adults may be more susceptible to the side effects of this medication, particularly hearing loss and QT prolongation.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication.
- This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Erybid is available in the following forms and strengths:
- erythromycin base enteric coated tablet:
- 250 mg
FAQ
Is Erybid a penicillin?
No. Erythromycin is not a penicillin medication. It’s a macrolide antibiotic, which is a different type of antibiotic.
Is Erybid a sulfa medication?
No. Erythromycin is not a sulfa medication.
Resources
- https://www.goodrx.com/ery-tab/what-is#faqs
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/erythromycin-oral-route/description/drg-20075495
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682381.html
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-10329-15/erythromycin-base-oral/erythromycin-base-erythromycin-stearate-oral/details
- https://www.drugs.com/pro/erythromycin-base-filmtab.html#:~:text=Erythromycin%20Base%20Filmtab%20Description,500%20mg%20of%20erythromycin%20base
