Description
Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic, also known as a protein synthesis inhibitor.
Indications:
- upper respiratory tract infections (tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, sinusitis);
- lower respiratory tract infections (tracheitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchiectasis, Legionnaire's disease);
- skin and other soft tissue infections (acne);
- ear infections (otitis media and otitis externa, mastoiditis);
- mouth infections;
- eye infections (blepharitis);
- gastrointestinal infections (e.g. gallbladder or intestinal infections);
- sexually transmitted diseases (syphilis, Gonorrhea).
Erythromycin is used for preventing infections when you:
- are going to have or have recently had dental or surgical procedures;
- have suffered from burns;
- have had rheumatic fever;
- are allergic to penicillin and have heart disease.
Erythromycin may be used to improve delayed stomach emptying. Erythromycin is not used to treat infection due to viruses like cold and flu and yeast infections.
MOA (mechanism of action):
Erythromycin can be used to treat bacterial infections of the skin and upper respiratory tract due to Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Haemophilus and Corynebacterium genera. Erythromycin slows or stops the growth and multiplication of bacteria. It blocks the synthesis of essential proteins, which are required by bacteria to carry out vital functions.
Dosage
Swallow the Erythromycin pills whole, without food, at least 1 half hour up to 2 hrs before eating food. Do not crush or chew the pill.
For adults, elderly:
Recommended dose is one 250 mg tablet 4 times per day with a maximum dose of 4 grams per 24 hours.
Erythromycin 500 mg tablet should be taken twice a day. Total doses over 1 g per day should be divided into 4 doses per 24 hours.
For children (2 to 8 years):
Recommended dose is 30-50 mg/Kg/day (milligrams per Kilogram per 24 hours), but should not to exceed 4 g per day.
For infants and babies up to 2 years:
Erythromycin tablets are not appropriate for infants and babies up to 2 years.
Therefore use of Erythromycin granules for oral suspension is recommended.
Treatment course in average lasts 10-14 days. However it may vary due to a condition. Consult your doctor for before you start taking Erythromycin pills.
Missing a dose
If you miss a dose you should take it as soon as you remember about your missing. If it is the time for the next dose you should continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose of Erythromycin to compensate the missed dose.
Overdose
If an overdose occurs and you are not feeling well, stop taking the medication immediately. You should seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F) and away from excess moisture and heat. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Keep out of the reach of children.