Antibiotics

Drug Uses

Erythromycin is an antibiotic with a broad spectrum of uses including the treatment of Urinary tract infections, Whooping cough and rheumatic fever for people who are allergic to penicillin or sulfa.

Usage

Erythromycin is available in several forms and you may take it as instructed by your doctor. For some people, it is best taken on an empty stomach whereas for others, it is best taken with a meal. If you are using a chewable form of the drug, then chew it completely before swallowing.

Missed Dose

If you have missed a dose of erythromycin, then space it and the next dose at least 5 to 6 hours apart from each other. Do not take a double dose ever.


Storage

Capsules and tablets must be stored at room temperature in a tight container. The liquid form must be refrigerated.

Overdose

Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose.

More Information

If your symptoms do not improve, then contact your doctor immediately. Ensure that you discuss with your doctor about any physical conditions that you may be suffering from before starting treatment with erythromycin.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Erythromycin if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Erythromycin;
you are taking astemizole, cisapride, cyclosporine, diltiazem, dofetilide, ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine), HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir), imidazoles (e.g., ketoconazole), pimozide, QT prolonging agents (e.g., quinidine, sotalol), quinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin), streptogramins (e.g., quinupristin/dalfopristin), sumatriptan, terfenadine, or verapamil.
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Erythromycin . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have diarrhea or a stomach or intestinal infection
if you have a history of kidney or liver disease, heart problems, fast or irregular heartbeat, myasthenia gravis, or the blood disorder porphyria


Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Erythromycin . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
Efavirenz or rifampin because they may decrease Erythromycin 's effectiveness
Arsenic, cimetidine,diltiazem,dofetilide,HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), imidazoles (eg, ketoconazole), pimozide,QT-prolonging agents (eg, quinidine, sotalol), quinolones (eg, ciprofloxacin), streptogramins (eg, quinupristin/dalfopristin ), or verapamil because side effects, such as heart toxicity or irregular heartbeat, may occur
Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), aldosterone blockers (eg, spironolactone), alfentanil, arsenic, astemizole, benzodiazepines (eg, alprazolam), bromocriptine, buspirone, carbamazepine, cilostazol, cisapride, clozapine, corticosteroids (eg, hydrocortisone), cyclosporine, digitoxin, digoxin, disopyramide, ergot alkaloids (eg, ergotamine), felodipine, H1 antagonists (eg, diphenhydramine), HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (eg, lovastatin), imatinib, macrolide immunosuppressants (eg, tacrolimus), meglitinide antidiabetics (eg, repaglinide), midazolam, phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (eg, sildenafil), pimozide, QT-prolonging agents (eg, quinidine, sotalol), quinolones (eg, ciprofloxacin), rifampin, serotonin reuptake inhibitors (eg, fluoxetine), sumatriptan, theophyllines, tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline), valproic acid, or vinca alkaloids (eg, vincristine) because the risk of their side effects may increased by Erythromycin.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

diarrhea; loss of appetite; nausea; stomach pain; vomiting.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody stools; hearing changes; irregular heartbeat; red, swollen, or blistered skin; severe diarrhea; severe stomach pain or cramps; yellowing of skin or eyes.

More Information

Erythromycin is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.