Uses of Erythromycin

Erythromycin is used to reduce the various bacterial infections. It is also used to manage the infections following burns, operations or dental procedures and treats other infections such as sexually transmitted diseases, bone infections or scarlet fever.    

Therapeutic Category

Erythromycin: Macrolide antibiotics

How Erythromycin works

Erythromycin works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and preventing them from multiplying.

Common side effects of Erythromycin

• Nausea, vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhoea
• Loss of appetite

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor, if you experience:

• Allergic reaction (signs include swelling of the lips, throat or tongue, difficulty in swallowing or breathing, ulcers in the mouth and throat)
• Breathing difficulty, fainting
• Severe diarrhoea may contain blood or mucus
• Serious skin rashes involves blistering of face and limbs (stevens johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis and erythema multiforme)
• Liver or gall-bladder problems, yellowing of the skin, eyes (jaundice), pale stools with dark urine
• Seizures
• Abnormal heart rhythms (palpitations, fast heartbeat, irregular heartbeat) or heart stopping (cardiac arrest)
• Red, scaly rash with bumps in skin and blisters (exanthematous pustulosis)

Health Tips for Erythromycin

• Always take it exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Erythromycin is taken with a full glass of water and can be taken with or without food. Do not skip doses or stop taking it without consulting your healthcare provider
• Avoid consuming alcohol while taking erythromycin as it can increase the risk of side effects such as stomach upset and liver problems
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration
• Avoid alcohol while taking Heparin, as alcohol can increase the risk of bleeding
• Attend any follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider as recommended
• Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you are taking
• Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy or breast feeding