Erythromycin

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:  

Adco-Erythromycin, Betamycin, Purmycin

Drug group:

Antibiotic

Prescription needed?

Yes

What does it do?

Erythromycin is an antibiotic effective against many different bacteria and is commonly used as an alternative in people with penicillin allergy.

Erythromycin is used in the treatment of:

• Throat, middle ear, and chest infections
• Some forms of gastroenteritis
• Sexually transmitted infections (such as chlamydia)
• Diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough)
• Acne - oral or topical

How should it be used?

Erythromycin should be taken before or with meals

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

Adult daily dose: total 1–4g daily, taken every 6–12 hours

How quickly will it start to work?

1–4 hours  
                         

How long will the effects last?

6–12 hours     
        

When should I stop using it?

Complete course as prescribed          
 

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Increased risk of liver damage if taken orally for >14 days.

What are the possible side effects?

The following have been reported:

• More common: nausea and vomiting (especially with large oral doses), diarrhoea
• Less common: deafness (rare, with high doses only)
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: impaired hearing, rash, itching, skin blisters/ulcers, jaundice, fever

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: liver disease, previous allergic reaction to erythromycin, porphyria
• Other medicines: mizolastine, warfarin, ergotamine, carbamazepine, digoxin, some immunosuppressants, theophylline/aminophylline, simvastatin
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: No evidence of risk
• Children: Reduced dose necessary
• Over 60: No special problems
• Driving and hazardous work: No known problems
• Alcohol: No known problems