Erythromycin
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Erythromycin
Erythromycin belongs to macrolide antibiotic. It acts by slowing (sometimes killing at high concentration) the growth of sensitive bacteria by reducing the production of important bacterial protein, by blocking the bacterial DNA to synthesize the proteins.
Therapeutic Uses of Erythromycin
Erythromycin is used in the treatment of bacterial infection which is sensitive to it. Erythromycin is also used in the prevention of attacks of rheumatic fever and bacterial endocarditis. It can also be used in other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Direction of use of Erythromycin
Erythromycin should be used as your doctor directs and you should not hesitate to consult your doctor if you have any question about it:
- Erythromycin is taken orally preferably along with food to reduce stomach irritation and stomach upset.
- Swallow it as a whole without breaking it, crushing it or chewing it.
- It works best if it is taken at regular interval and same time everyday.
- To clear the infections properly take full course of Erythromycin. Even if you feel better before completing the course, keep taking it to complete the full course.
- Grapefruit or grapefruit juice should not be taken while taking Erythromycin.
Dose of Erythromycin, if Missed
If a dose of Erythromycin is missed during treatment it should be taken as soon as remembered. If it is almost time for the next dose, than skip the missed dose and take the next dose as scheduled. If you miss more than 1 dose than consult your doctor, you may need to take new course. Do not take 2 doses together.
How to Store Erythromycin
Erythromycin is stored at room temperature (68 to 77 degrees F or 20 to 25 degrees C). Keep it out of reach of children and pets. Erythromycin should be stored in a dry place away from heat, moisture and light.
More Information About Erythromycin
If there is no improvement of your symptoms you should consult your doctor. Erythromycin should be taken by the patient only for whom it is prescribed by doctor. It should not be shared with anybody.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Erythromycin
Do not take Erythromycin if you have any of the following problems and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you have allergy to any ingredients of Erythromycin.
- If you are taking any of the medicines like HIV protease inhibitors (ritonavir), ergot alkaloids like ergotamine, astemizole, cyclosporine, cisapride, imidazole anti fungal medicine like ketoconazole, quinolones antibiotic like ciprofloxacin, sumatriptan, quinidine, sotalol, terfenadine, verapamil.
Some of the medical conditions can cause interaction with Erythromycin and you should inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are suffering from any of the medical conditions listed below:
- If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or you are breast feeding your child.
- If you have allergy to any other medicine other than Erythromycin, foods or any other substance.
- If you have any infection of GIT (gastro intestinal tract), or diarrhea.
- If you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement.
- If you have history of liver disease, heart disease (arrhythmia), kidney disease, myasthenia gravis, or the blood disorder like porphyria.
Some medicines may interact with Erythromycin. You should inform your doctor before starting Erythromycin, if you are taking any other medicines especially the following:
- Rifampin an anti tubercular medicine may reduce the effectiveness of Erythromycin.
- Erythromycin may increase the side effects of the following medicines; diuretics like spironolactone, anticoagulants like warfarin; benzodiazepines like alprazolam; ergot alkaloids (ergotamine); HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors like lovastatin, atorvastatin; anti diabetics like repaglinide; phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (sildenafil); flouroquinolones (ciprofloxacin); selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) like fluoxetine; macrolide immunosuppressant (tacrolimus); tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline; bromocriptine, alfentanil, arsenic, astemizole, ), rifampin, theophyllines, valproic acid, sumatriptan, digitoxin, digoxin, cyclosporine; QT-prolonging (Q and T waves of ECG) agents like quinidine, sotalol; vinca alkaloid (vincristine); midazolam, pimozide, carbamazepine, disopyramide, cisapride, clozapine, buspirone; corticosteroids (hydrocortisone); H1 antihistaminics like diphenhydramine etc.
- The following medicines can increase the side effects and toxicity of Erythromycin like heart toxicity, ototoxicity etc. The medicines are arsenic, cimetidine, diltiazem; imidazoles antifungal like ketoconazole; QT-prolonging agents (quinidine, sotalol); anti HIV medicine (HIV protease inhibitor) like ritonavir; flouroquinolones like ciprofloxacin; antihypertensive medicine like verapamil; pimozide etc.
Possible Adverse Effects
If most common side effects of Erythromycin like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite etc. persists for long duration and become troublesome, you should consult your doctor or other health care provider.
You should also seek immediate medical attention if you have any of the uncommon and serious side effects like allergy to Erythromycin (swelling of face, tongue, lips, severe itching, respiratory difficulty, feeling of tightness in the chest etc.), blood in the stool or malena, severe diarrhea, stomach pain, stomach cramps, hearing difficulty, irregular pulse rate; skin becomes red, swollen, yellow or blistered; yellowing of eyes, etc.