Macery

Indications

Erythromycin is an antibiotic used for bacterial infections such as throat and chest infections, whooping cough, skin infections and acne, and some sexually transmitted infections. It is often chosen for people who are allergic to Penicillin. It does not work against colds, flu or other viral infections.

How It Works

Erythromycin stops bacteria from making the proteins they need to grow and multiply, so the body's defences can clear the infection.

Dosage and Administration

• Adults: usually 250 to 500 mg every 6 hours, or 500 mg to 1 g every 12 hours, depending on the infection. Do not take more than 4 g a day unless a doctor advises it.
• Children: dose depends on body weight, as prescribed.
• Acne and longer treatments: as prescribed.

Take by mouth as directed on the product label (some forms are best taken before food). Complete the full course even if you feel better. The injection form is given by a doctor or nurse.

Interactions

Erythromycin raises the blood levels of many medicines. Do not take it with Simvastatin, Lovastatin, Ergotamine, Pimozide or Cisapride. Tell your doctor if you take Warfarin, Carbamazepine, Theophylline, Digoxin, Colchicine, Ciclosporin or medicines that affect the heart rhythm, as doses may need checking.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Erythromycin or other macrolide antibiotics (such as Azithromycin or Clarithromycin).
• Taking Simvastatin, Lovastatin, Ergotamine, Pimozide or Cisapride.
• A history of an irregular heart rhythm called QT prolongation.

Side Effects

Common: nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. Less common: rash, itching, temporary hearing problems at high doses, and liver irritation.

Get urgent medical help if you have swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, severe or bloody diarrhoea, yellow skin or eyes, a fast or irregular heartbeat, or fainting.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Erythromycin is generally considered suitable in pregnancy when a doctor prescribes it, although the estolate form is usually avoided. Small amounts pass into breast milk; it can be used while breastfeeding if prescribed, but tell the doctor if the baby has diarrhoea, vomiting or feeding problems.

Precautions and Warnings

Use with care in liver disease, myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness condition), heart rhythm problems and low blood potassium or magnesium. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you take. Do not use it for viral infections.

Overdose

Too much may cause severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and hearing loss. Seek medical help promptly.

Therapeutic Class

Macrolide antibiotic.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Mixed suspension should be stored and used as the label says.