What is Erythromycin?
Erythromycin belongs to the group of drug called Macrodile antibiotics. The antibiotic helps in slowing down the growth or kills the sensitive bacteria by reducing the production of important proteins which helps the bacteria in surviving.
The medication is used for treating various types of infection that are caused by bacteria.
Erythromycin uses
Erythromycin is used for treating certain bacterial infections that are caused by various bacteria like infections of the respiratory tract which includes bronchitis, pneumonia, lung infection, serious bacterial infections caused due to severe coughing, urinary tract infections and skin infections.
The medication is also used for preventing recurrent rheumatic fever. Erythromycin is in the class of medications which is called as macrolide antibiotics This works by stopping the spread and growth of bacteria. But Erythromycin will not work for some viral infections such as common cold and flu. Using the antibiotic when not needed can lead to some severe infections.
Erythromycin Side Effects
Most common side effects of Erythromycin are:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach Upset
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
Some of the serious side effects of Erythromycin are:
- Rashes
- Itching
- Hives
- Difficulty in breathing
- Wheezing
- Yellowing of the skin
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
- Unusual tiredness
- Seizures
- Irregular heartbeat
If you have any of these serious symptoms immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Erythromycin if you get any kind of reactions in your body try avoiding it.
A doctor advised you to take the medicines by seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine are greater than the side effects. Majority of the people who use this medicine don’t show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Erythromycin side effects.
Precautions
Before taking Erythromycin talk to the doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medication. The product can contain some inactive ingredients that can cause some allergic reactions or some other problems.
Before taking the medication talk to the doctor if you are having any of the medical histories, it includes:
- Muscle disease
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
Erythromycin can cause some condition that can directly affects the heart rhythm i.e. QT prolongation. QT prolongation will rarely cause some of the serious or irregular heartbeat and other symptoms which need medical attention right away.
The risks of QT prolongation can increase if you are having certain medical conditions or taking some medication that can cause QT prolongation. Before taking Erythromycin talk with the doctor about all the medications that you are using.
How to take Erythromycin?
Erythromycin comes in various forms like capsule, tablet, delayed-release capsules, delayed-release tablet, and in the form of oral suspension that can be taken through the mouth. The medication can be taken with or without food in every 6 hours for 4 times a day. Follow the prescription very carefully or ask your doctor before taking Erythromycin medicines.
Shake the oral suspension before using to mix properly.
If you are taking the suspension to avoid using a normal spoon take the medication with a measurable spoon only. Use a measuring spoon, dropper or cup which comes with oral suspension.
Try to swallow the capsules or tablets with a full glass of water and avoid chewing or crushing them.
Try to take the full dose of Erythromycin even if you feel well.
Dosage
Normal dosage for adults is 250 mg in every 6 hours, 333 mg in every 8 hours and 500 mg every 12 hours. After seeing the severity of the infection the dosage can increase up to 4 g/ day
For childrens, dosages are 30 to 50 mg/kg/day. The dosage will be decided according to the age, weight and severity of the infection.
Missed Dose
Missing one or two-dose of Erythromycin won’t show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Erythromycin tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Interactions
The use of erythromycin in patients receiving high doses of theophylline may be associated with increased serum theophylline levels and possible theophylline toxicity. In the event of theophylline toxicity and/or elevated serum theophylline levels, the theophylline dose should be reduced while the patient is receiving concomitant therapy with erythromycin.
Concomitant administration of erythromycin and digoxin has been reported to produce elevated serum digoxin levels. Cases of increased anticoagulant effects have been reported when erythromycin and oral anticoagulants were used concomitantly.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Before taking Erythromycin consult your Doctor. In case if you face any problems or get any side effects after taking Erythromycin, rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment. Carry your medications always in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take Erythromycin.
Erythromycin vs Azithromycin
| Erythromycin belongs to the group of drugs called Macrolide antibiotics. The antibiotic helps in slowing down the growth or kills the sensitive bacteria by reducing the production of important proteins which helps the bacteria in surviving. | Azithromycin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria. These medicines are used to treat different infections that are caused by bacteria such as bronchitis, pneumonia and infections of skin, throat, sinuses, lungs, ears and reproductive organs. |
| Erythromycin is used for treating certain bacterial infections that are caused by various bacteria like infections of the respiratory tract which includes bronchitis, pneumonia, lung infection, serious bacterial infections caused due to severe coughing, urinary tract infections and skin infections. | These are used to treat various infections that are created by bacteria. But Azithromycin cannot be used to treat virus infections like cold and fever. It can be used with other antibiotics to treat certain infections like mycobacterium avium complex and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) |
Some of the serious side effects of Erythromycin are:
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Some of the serious side effects that are caused by Azithromycin are:
LiverProblems:
QTprolongation, it can cause irregular heartbeat:
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