What is Erythromycin?
Erythromycin is part of a family of drugs known as macrolide antibiotics. Macrolide antibacterial drugs slow the development of and sometimes kill bacteria that are sensitive by inhibiting the production of essential proteins required by bacteria to live.
Erythromycin serves to cure or prevent different kinds of infections caused by bacteria.Erythromycin is also used for reasons not mentioned in this guideline.
Warnings
Certain medications can trigger unwanted or harmful effects when taken together with erythromycin. Your doctor might need to modify your treatment if you take cisapride, pimozide, or ergotamine. dihydroergotamine.
Before taking erythromycin, consult your physician if you suffer from myasthenia gravis, liver disease, a heart rhythm problem, an underlying condition known as Long QT syndrome, or low levels of magnesium or potassium within your blood.
Use this medication for the prescribed duration. Your symptoms could worsen before the infection is completely gone. The absence of doses can increase your chance of developing a new illness that is resistant to antibiotics. Erythromycin is not able to treat viral infections like the flu or the common cold.
Diarrhea can be caused by antibiotics, which could be an indication of a new infection. If you are experiencing diarrhea that is bloody or watery, discontinue taking erythromycin and consult your physician. Don't take anti-diarrhoea medication unless your doctor has told you to.
Before you Take this Drug
The use of erythromycin is not recommended if you have an allergy to it.
Certain medicines may cause undesirable or hazardous effects when taken in conjunction with erythromycin. Your doctor could alter your treatment regimen when you are also using:
- Lovastatin, simvastatin;
- Cisapride;
- Pimozide;
- Ergotamine, or dihydroergotamine.
Speak to your doctor if you have ever suffered from:
- Kidney or liver disease
- Myasthenia gravis;
- Heart rhythm disorders (especially in the event that you take medication for treatment);
- Long QT syndrome (in either you or a member of your family);
- The imbalance of electrolytes (such as low levels of magnesium or potassium within your blood).
It isn't known if it will cause harm to a baby who is not yet born. Consult your physician if you are expecting or planning to become pregnant.
It is not advised to feed your baby while you take this medicine. Talk to your doctor about any risks.
How to Take Erythromycin?
Use erythromycin as directed by your physician. Follow all instructions on the prescription label and go through all medication guides and instruction sheets. The doctor might alter your dosage. Follow the medication exactly as prescribed.Erythromycin is taken orally through the mouth.
Erythromycin injection is administered as an injection into a vein for an infection that is severe. Your healthcare professional will administer your first dose and instruct you on how to apply the drug on your own.
Follow and read carefully any instructions for use that are included with your medication. Avoid using erythromycin if you are not able to comprehend the entire procedure for use. Consult your physician or pharmacist for assistance if you have any concerns.Only inject once you are ready to administer it. Avoid using it when the medication appears cloudy, changes color, or contains articles. Consult your pharmacist about the latest medication.
You might need to shake up the medication prior to measuring the dosage. Use the dosing needle provided or a dosage-measuring device (not the kitchen spoon).You should chew the chewable tablet prior to taking it.Do not chew, crush, or break a delayed-release tablet or capsule. Take it in whole.
Take this medication for the prescribed duration, even if symptoms improve quickly. Not taking your doses regularly can increase the chance of developing an infection unresponsive to treatment. Erythromycin does not treat viral illnesses like the flu or commonly occurring colds.
This medication can alter the outcomes of certain tests. Be sure to inform any doctor treating you about your use of erythromycin.
Keep at room temperature, away from heat, humidity, and light.
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
Take the medication as quickly as you can; however, do not miss any missed doses if it's close to the time for the next dose. Don't take two doses at once.
What Happens If I Overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What Should be Avoided?
Antibiotic medications can trigger diarrhea, and this could be an indicator of an infection that has just started. If you suffer from diarrhea that is bloody or watery and you are unsure of the cause, consult your doctor prior to applying anti-diarrhoea medications.
Side effects of Erythromycin
See a doctor immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate that you are experiencing an allergic reaction (hives, breathing problems, swelling in your throat or face) or an extreme skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burnt eyes, irritation, skin that is red or purple with peeling and blisters),
See your doctor right away if you are suffering from:
- Extreme stomach discomfort; diarrhea that's bloody or watery (even if it's several months after your previous dose);
- Headache, chest pain, and fainting; severe dizziness; rapid or pounding heartbeats;
- A seizure;
- Hearing problems (rare);
- Pancreatitis: intense discomfort in your stomach that extends to your back, nausea, and vomiting
- Liver issues, weight loss, and stomach discomfort (upper right side) fatigue, sleepiness, bleeding or bruising in dark urine, jaundice, or stools that are coloured with clay (yellowing of the eyes or skin).
The risk of serious side effects is higher in older people, such as hearing loss or a potentially life-threatening heart rate.
Contact your doctor to see if your baby who is taking this medication is irritable or vomiting during meals.
The most common side effects associated with erythromycin are:
- Extreme stomach discomfort; diarrhea that is bloody or watery (even when it happens months after the most recent dose);
- Liver issues
- Unusual liver function tests.
This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Contact your doctor to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with Other Drugs
There are times when it's not safe to take certain medications together. Certain drugs may affect the blood levels of other medications that you take, which can cause more side effects or make the medication less effective.
A variety of drugs may be incompatible with erythromycin, and certain drugs shouldn't be used simultaneously. Inform your doctor of your current medications as well as any medications you are about to start or stop taking. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicine, vitamins, and herbal supplements. The interactions between these products are not mentioned here.
