Erythromycin
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
YES
Known Teratogen
NO
Pharmaceutical Class
Macrolide Antimicrobial
Controlled Drug Substance
NO
Erythromycin
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Click HereSummary
Erythromycin is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections. These include upper and lower respiratory tract infections like pneumonia and bronchitis, skin infections, and sexually transmitted infections like syphilis. It's also used for listeriosis, pertussis (whooping cough), diphtheria, erythrasma, intestinal amebiasis, and acute pelvic inflammatory disease.
Erythromycin works by stopping bacteria from growing. It interferes with their ability to make proteins, which are essential for their growth and multiplication. When taken orally, it gets absorbed into the body and spreads to most body fluids. It can cross the placenta, but levels in the baby are low.
Erythromycin is usually taken orally. For most infections in adults, the dosage is 250 mg every 6 hours or 500 mg every 12 hours. For severe infections, up to 4 grams per day can be taken. For children, the dosage is 30-50 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day, divided into several doses.
Common side effects of Erythromycin include gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Other side effects can include loss of appetite, mood changes, sleep disturbances, and headaches. However, these are usually mild and temporary. Serious side effects can include liver problems, severe diarrhea, heart rhythm problems, allergic reactions, skin reactions, kidney problems, pancreatitis, seizures, and hearing loss.
Erythromycin should be used with caution in individuals with liver disease due to the risk of liver toxicity. It's contraindicated in people allergic to erythromycin or other macrolide antibiotics. Patients with heart conditions, particularly those with a prolonged QT interval, should avoid it due to the risk of arrhythmias. It should also be avoided by those taking certain heart rhythm or liver enzyme affecting medications.
Indications and Purpose
How does Erythromycin work?
Erythromycin is an antibiotic that stops germs from growing by interfering with their ability to make proteins. When taken by mouth, it gets absorbed into the body but the amount absorbed can vary. It can spread to most body fluids, but levels in the spinal fluid are low unless there is an infection in the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can cross the placenta, but levels in the baby are low. Less than 5% of the antibiotic is found in active form in urine. For best results, take erythromycin on an empty stomach.
How does one know if Erythromycin is working?
Improvement in symptoms, such as reduced fever, pain, or infection-related discomfort, indicates effectiveness. Laboratory tests may confirm bacterial eradication in some cases.
Is Erythromycin effective?
Clinical evidence supports erythromycin's effectiveness in treating infections caused by susceptible bacteria. It is particularly effective for respiratory infections and skin conditions when used as directed.
What is Erythromycin?
Erythromycin is a type of antibiotic that works by stopping bacteria from growing. It's used to treat bacterial infections, like pneumonia or strep throat, but it doesn't work on viruses like the common cold. When you take erythromycin by mouth, it's absorbed into your body and travels to different parts of your body, including your blood and tissues. It's eventually removed from your body through your bile. However, how much erythromycin is absorbed can vary, and sometimes the right amount doesn't get into your bloodstream.
What is Erythromycin used for?
Erythromycin is an antibiotic that treats bacterial infections. It is not effective against viral infections. Erythromycin is used to treat: - Upper respiratory tract infections (e.g., bronchitis, pneumonia) - Lower respiratory tract infections (e.g., pneumonia) - Listeriosis (a bacterial infection that can cause fever, chills, and muscle aches) - Pertussis (whooping cough) - Skin and skin structure infections (e.g., cellulitis, impetigo) - Diphtheria (a bacterial infection that can cause fever, sore throat, and difficulty breathing) - Erythrasma (a bacterial infection that causes red, itchy patches on the skin) - Syphilis (a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria) - Intestinal amebiasis (a parasitic infection that can cause diarrhea) - Acute pelvic inflammatory disease (an infection of the female reproductive organs) Erythromycin is an alternative treatment for penicillin in cases of syphilis. It is also an alternative treatment for acute pelvic inflammatory disease.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Erythromycin?
Treatment length for infections depends on the specific infection: * **Strep throat (streptococcal infection):** At least 10 days * **Intestinal amebiasis:** 10 to 14 days * **Urogenital infections during pregnancy:** 7 to 14 days, depending on the dose and how well you tolerate it * **Whooping cough (pertussis):** 5 to 14 days of erythromycin
How do I take Erythromycin?
Erythromycin should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes to 2 hours before or after meals, to optimize absorption. Swallow tablets whole with water. Avoid taking with grapefruit juice, as it may interfere with the drug.
How long does it take for Erythromycin to start working?
The duration of erythromycin therapy varies by condition. For streptococcal infections, treatment should last at least 10 days. Other infections may require 5–14 days or as prescribed by your doctor.
How should I store Erythromycin?
Store erythromycin tablets at room temperature (20°C to 25°C or 68°F to 77°F). Keep them in a dry place, away from heat, light, and moisture, and out of reach of children.
What is the usual dose of Erythromycin?
**Dosage for Adults:** * For most infections: 250 mg every 6 hours or 500 mg every 12 hours. * For severe infections: Up to 4 grams per day, but no more than 1 gram twice a day. **Dosage for Children:** * For most infections: 30-50 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day, divided into several doses. * For severe infections: Double the dose.
Warnings and Precautions
Can Erythromycin be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Erythromycin is considered safe for use during breastfeeding. It is excreted into breast milk in small amounts, but the risk to a nursing infant is generally low. However, it is important to monitor for potential side effects, such as gastrointestinal disturbances or changes in the infant's feeding behavior. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare provider before using erythromycin while breastfeeding to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby.
Can Erythromycin be taken safely while pregnant?
Erythromycin is a type of antibiotic that is generally safe to use during pregnancy when it is clearly needed. However, there have been no adequate studies conducted in pregnant women. If erythromycin is used to treat early syphilis during pregnancy, the newborn baby should be given penicillin to prevent infection.
Can I take Erythromycin with other prescription drugs?
Erythromycin can interact with certain medications, affecting their levels or effects. * **Theophylline:** Erythromycin increases theophylline levels, which can be dangerous. * **Digoxin:** Erythromycin increases digoxin levels, which can cause side effects. * **Anticoagulants:** Erythromycin enhances the effects of anticoagulants, especially in older adults. * **Verapamil:** Combining Erythromycin and Verapamil can lead to serious side effects like low blood pressure, slow heart rate, and lactic acidosis. * **Colchicine:** Using Erythromycin with Colchicine can be life-threatening.
Can I take Erythromycin with vitamins or supplements?
Erythromycin can interact with certain supplements, especially those containing calcium, magnesium, or aluminum, as they may reduce its absorption. Consult your doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements during treatment.
Is Erythromycin safe for the elderly?
Erythromycin is generally safe for use in the elderly, but there are some potential side effects that should be considered. These include gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Erythromycin can also interact with other medications, so it is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking. In some cases, Erythromycin may need to be used with caution in the elderly, or the dose may need to be reduced.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Erythromycin?
It is generally safe to drink alcohol in moderation while taking erythromycin. However, alcohol may increase the risk of certain side effects, like nausea or dizziness. Consult your doctor if you have concerns
Is it safe to exercise while taking Erythromycin?
Exercise is generally safe while taking erythromycin. If you experience side effects like dizziness or gastrointestinal discomfort, adjust your activity level accordingly. Consult your doctor for personalized advice.
Who should avoid taking Erythromycin?
Erythromycin should be used with caution in individuals with liver disease, as it can cause liver toxicity. It is contraindicated in people with a history of allergic reactions to erythromycin or other macrolide antibiotics. Patients with heart conditions, particularly those with a prolonged QT interval, should avoid erythromycin due to the risk of arrhythmias. It should also be avoided in those taking certain medications that affect heart rhythm or liver enzymes, as interactions may increase the risk of side effects.
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