Erythromycin

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Molecule Description

Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections when milder antibiotics are not suitable or effective. It works by inhibiting bacterial growth and helping your body clear the infection. Doctors may prescribe Erythromycin for infections of the throat, lungs, skin, eyes, or reproductive organs. Since it only works against bacteria, it cannot treat colds, flu, or other viral illnesses. It is important to take it exactly as prescribed and complete the full course to prevent the infection from returning or the bacteria from becoming resistant. You may experience stomach upset; taking it with food (if advised) can help reduce discomfort.

Uses

Erythromycin is used for the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections caused by bacteria.

Contraindications

When should one not use Erythromycin

It is not used in patients who suffer from heart-related disorders like irregular heartbeats, kidney or liver problems, muscle diseases, those who are allergic to Erythromycin or Macrolide antibiotics like Clarithromycin
If you are taking any medicine containing Astemizole, Terfenadine, Cisapride, Pimozide, Ergotamine or Dihydroergotamine, Colchicine

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

The severe side effects are allergic reactions, dark urine, difficulty in breathing, hearing loss, irregular heartbeat and chest pain
Diarrhea
Nausea, loss of appetite
Increase in a particular type of white blood cells (eosinophilia)
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Various liver or gall-bladder problems such as yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) or pale stools with dark urine
Abnormal heart rhythms (including palpitations)
Vomiting and irritability in young children between the age of 1 month and 12 months
Visual impairment/blurred vision

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Do not use Erythromycin if you are pregnant or thinking of pregnancy. If this medicine is taken during pregnancy, it can cause liver damage.

Breast Feeding

Your doctor will prescribe this drug to you only if the benefit to you exceeds the potential risk to the fetus. A small amount of the medicine passes into breast milk and is unlikely to cause side effects in the baby. Monitor the baby for irritability diarrhea or diaper rash.

Driving

There are no effects on the ability to drive when this medication is used.

Alcohol

Caution is advised as alcohol might result in delayed absorption of the antibiotic.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

Have any liver problems or are on any medication which can cause liver problems
Suffer from a condition called myasthenia gravis which causes muscle weakness
If you are on Colchicine as taking it with Erythromycin may cause serious side effects

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Erythromycin inhibits the growth of bacteria by preventing the synthesis of proteins that bacteria secrete for microbial action.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Medicine interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription medicines and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Serious problems related to heart can occur if these medicines are taken along with Erythromycin: Amiodarone, Astemizole, Cisapride, Dofetilide, Pimozide, Procainamide, Propafenone, Quinidine, Sotalol, Domperidone, Terfenadine, Simvastatin. Some medicines that may interact with this include Clindamycin, Digoxin.

Interactions with food items

No specific food interactions are observed. Food decreases absorption of Erythromycin. Take Erythromycin on an empty stomach and at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after a meal.

Dosage

Overdose

An overdose of Erythromycin could cause nausea, vomiting, temporary hearing loss and diarrhea. Seek emergency medical help immediately.

Missed a Dose

If you forget to take a dose of your medicine, take it as early as you remember. Do not take more medicine in one day than your doctor tells you to. It is advisable not to miss doses of antibiotics as it can lead to resistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The dosage regimen of the medicine should be followed regularly. The prescribed dose should be completed to prevent the development of antimicrobial resistance.

Give a detailed account of your surgical and medical historyThe doctor should also know about other health supplements like herbal medications or nutritional supplements that you may take before starting this medication

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