Erythromycin, oral

What is Erythromycin, oral?

Erythromycin is an antibiotic used to treat many kinds of infections, including: acute pelvic inflammatory disease, chlamydia, gonorrhea, intestinal parasitic infections, Legionnaires' disease, listeriosis, pinkeye, rectal infections, reproductive tract infections, skin infections, syphilis, upper and lower respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and whooping cough.

Erythromycin is also prescribed to prevent rheumatic fever in people who are allergic to penicillin and sulfa drugs. It is prescribed before colorectal surgery to prevent infection.

What is the most important information I should know about Erythromycin, oral?

Erythromycin, like any other antibiotic, works best when there is a constant amount of drug in the blood. Therefore, it is important to avoid missing any doses. Also, it is advisable to take the doses at evenly spaced times around the clock.

This drug may cause a severe form of intestinal inflammation. If you develop diarrhea, contact your doctor immediately.

When erythromycin is used to treat syphilis in pregnant women, it does not prevent the disease from infecting their babies. The infants should be treated after birth with penicillin.

Erythromycin only works against bacteria; it does not treat viral infections (eg, the common cold).

Be sure to use Erythromycin for the full course of treatment. If you do not, the medicine may not clear up your infection completely. The bacteria could also become less sensitive to this or other medicines. This could make the infection harder to treat in the future.

Long-term or repeated use of Erythromycin may cause a second infection. Tell your doctor if signs of a second infection occur. Your medicine may need to be changed to treat this.

Who should not take Erythromycin, oral?

You should not use erythromycin if you have previously had an allergic reaction to it or are sensitive to this medication. You should not take erythromycin if you are currently taking terfenadine or astemizole.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Erythromycin, oral?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medication you are taking before beginning treatment with this drug. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have ever had liver or kidney disease, heart problems, a fast or irregular heartbeat, the blood disorder porphyria, or if you have myasthenia gravis (a type of muscle weakness).

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Dosage instructions are determined by the type and severity of infection being treated and may vary depending on the brand.

Adults: The usual dosage is one 250 milligram (mg) tablet four times daily in equally spaced doses or one 500 milligram (mg) tablet every 12 hours. Dosage may be increased up to 4 grams (g) per day based on the severity of the infection.

Children: Age, weight, and severity of the infection determine the correct dosage. The usual dosage is from 30 to 50 mg daily per 2.2 pounds of body weight, divided into equal doses. For more severe infections, the dosage may be doubled but should not exceed 4 grams (g) per day.

Streptococcal Infections of the Upper Respiratory Tract (e.g., tonsillitis, pharyngitis)

Adults: A therapeutic dose of erythromycin should be given for at least 10 days.

Prevention of Recurring Attacks of Rheumatic Fever Associated with Streptococcal Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

For adults who cannot take penicillin or sulfonamides : 250 milligrams (mg) given twice a day.

Urinary Tract Infections Due to Chlamydia During Pregnancy

Adults: The usual dosage is 500 mg given on an empty stomach four times a day for at least 7 days. For women who cannot tolerate this regimen, a decreased dose one erythromycin tablet given every 12 hours or one 250-mg tablet given 4 times a day for at least 14 days.

Uncomplicated Urinary, Reproductive Tract, or Rectal Infections Caused by Chlamydia

For adults who cannot take tetracycline: The usual dosage is 500 mg given four times a day for at least 7 days.

Nongonococcal Urethral Infections

For adults who cannot take tetracycline: The usual dosage is 500 mg given four times a day for at least 7 days.

Syphilis

Adults: The usual dosage is 30 to 40 grams (g) given in divided doses over a period of 10 to 15 days.

Acute Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Adults: The usual treatment is three days of intravenous (IV) erythromycin followed by 500 milligrams (mg) by mouth given every 12 hours for 7 days.

Intestinal Infections

Adults: 500 milligrams (mg) given every 12 hours or 250 milligrams (mg) given every 6 hours for 10 to 14 days.

Children: 30 to 50 milligrams (mg) per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day given in divided doses for 10 to 14 days.

Whooping Cough

Adults: Although an optimal dose and duration of therapy have not been established, a daily dose of 40-50mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight given in divided doses for 5 to 14 days has been utilized in clinical trials.

Legionnaires' Disease

Adults: The usual dosage ranges from 1 to 4 grams daily, divided into smaller doses. No optimal dose has been established.

Conjunctivitis Due to Chylamydia

Newborns: The dosage is 50 milligrams (mg) per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day given in four divided doses for at least 2 weeks. Erythromycin should be given in its liquid form.

Pneumonia Due to Chlamydia

Infants: The recommended dose is 50 milligrams (mg) per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day given in 4 divided doses for at least 3 weeks. Erythromycin should be given its liquid form.

How should I take Erythromycin, oral?

Some forms of erythromycin are most effective when taken on an empty stomach. Your doctor may advise you to take each dose at least one-half hour and preferably 2 hours before meals. Delayed release formulations may be taken with or without food. If the drug upsets your stomach, taking it with meals may help. Ask your doctor whether this is advisable for you.

Chewable forms of erythromycin should be crushed or chewed before being swallowed.

Delayed-release brands and tablets and capsules that are coated to slow their breakdown should be swallowed whole. Do not crush or break. If you are not sure about the form of erythromycin you are taking, ask your pharmacist.

The liquid should be shaken well before each use.

Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you use Erythromycin.

To clear up your infection completely, take Erythromycin for the full course of treatment. Keep taking it even if you feel better in a few days.

What should I avoid while taking Erythromycin, oral?

Avoid prolonged or repeated use of erythromycin, since this may result in the growth of bacteria or fungi that do not respond to this medication and can cause a secondary infection.

Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you use Erythromycin.

Delayed-release brands and tablets and capsules that are coated to slow their breakdown should be swallowed whole. Do not crush or break.

Do not stop taking this medication even if you feel well; finish the full course of treatment. If you stop the treatment prematurely, the medicine may not clear up your infection completely.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Erythromycin, oral?

Combining erythromycin with lovastatin can cause severe muscle wasting and damage to the kidneys. If you are taking both of these drugs, your doctor will monitor you closely for warning signs of this interaction.

If erythromycin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining erythromycin with the following: benzodiazepines such as midazolam and triazolam; blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin; bromocriptine; carbamazepine; cyclosporine; digoxin; cihydroergotamine; disopyramide; ergotamine; hexobarbital; lovastatin; seizure medications such as phenytoin and valproic acid; tacrolimus; and theophylline.

What are the possible side effects of Erythromycin, oral?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine whether it is safe to continue taking this medication.

Side effects may include: abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, bloody stools, hearing changes, irregular heartbeat, red, swollen, or blistered skin, yellowing of skin or eyes.

Can I receive Erythromycin, oral if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

There is no evidence that erythromycin will harm a developing baby, but the possibility has not been completely ruled out. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.

Erythromycin appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Erythromycin, oral?

If you miss a dose of Erythromycin, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

How should I store Erythromycin, oral?

Store at room temperature away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom . The liquid form of erythromycin should be kept in the refrigerator; do not freeze. Keep tightly closed.