Erythromycin: A Comprehensive Medication Guide

Summary or Key Points

Erythromycin is an antibiotic often used to treat various bacterial infections, including Streptococcal infections, Syphilis, Lyme Disease, Chlamydia, and Pneumonia. It may also be used off-label for Gastroparesis. This medication comes in different forms and strengths, with specific dosing instructions. Like any medicine, it may have side effects; consult your healthcare provider for more personalized information. Remember, you can consult with one of our telemedicine providers promptly for your convenience.

Names of Medication

US Brand Name: Erythromycin (Generic Name: Erythromycin)

The term ‘generic name’ refers to the official medical name of the active ingredient in the medication. In this case, Erythromycin is the generic name (shown in parentheses).

Pharmacologic Category

Erythromycin belongs to a group of medications known as Macrolide Antibiotics, similar to medications like Azithromycin (Zithromax), Clarithromycin (Biaxin), and Fidaxomicin (Dificid).

Dosing

Always take Erythromycin as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Never adjust your dosage without first consulting them. Consider seeking the help of our telemedicine providers for quick, accessible care.

• Streptococcal Infections: 250-500 mg every 6 hours for 10 days.
• Syphilis: 500 mg every 6 hours for 14 days.
• Lyme Disease: 500 mg every 6 hours for 14-21 days.
• Chlamydia: 500 mg every 6 hours for 7 days.
• Pneumonia: 500 mg every 6 hours for 7-14 days.
• Gastroparesis (off-label use): 250 mg 3 times a day, before meals.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Erythromycin is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Film-coated tablets: 250 mg and 500 mg.
• Capsules: 250 mg.
• Oral suspension: 200 mg/5 ml, 400 mg/5 ml.
• Topical solution: 2%.
• Ophthalmic ointment: 0.5%.

Administration Instructions

Erythromycin should be taken as directed by your healthcare provider, typically on an empty stomach. It’s important to take the medication at evenly spaced intervals for optimal effectiveness. For more specific guidance, consult with your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine practitioners.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

Like any medication, Erythromycin may cause side effects. If any of these symptoms persist or worsen, consult your healthcare provider immediately. You may also reach out to one of our telemedicine providers for immediate consultation.

• Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): Stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea.
• Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people): Vomiting, loss of appetite, hives.
• Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people): Hearing loss, irregular heartbeat, severe skin reactions.

In rare cases, Erythromycin can cause more serious side effects. Always remember to contact your healthcare provider if you experience any unusual or severe reactions.

• Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people): Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), severe allergic reactions, pancreatitis.
• Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from available data): Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis), liver failure.

Remember, this is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. Consult your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine practitioners for a more detailed discussion. It’s always important to monitor how you’re feeling while taking a new medication and report any changes to your healthcare provider.

Conclusion

Understanding your medication is an essential step in taking charge of your health. Erythromycin, an effective antibiotic, is used to treat a range of bacterial infections. It’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s directions regarding dosage, potential side effects, and administration instructions. And remember, our team of telemedicine providers is always ready to help guide you on your health journey.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and is not meant to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication.

Contraindications

A contraindication is a condition or factor that increases the risks associated with the use of a particular drug, making its usage inadvisable. Here are some contraindications for taking Erythromycin:

• Allergy to Erythromycin or other macrolide antibiotics: People with known allergies to Erythromycin or similar antibiotics should avoid its use due to the risk of an allergic reaction.
• Liver disease: Erythromycin is metabolized in the liver. Those with severe liver disease may not metabolize the drug effectively, leading to potentially harmful levels in the body.
• Concurrent use of certain medications: Certain medications can interact negatively with Erythromycin, increasing the risk of severe side effects. Always inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you’re currently taking.

Drug to Drug Interactions

Certain medications may interact with Erythromycin, potentially altering its effectiveness or causing unwanted side effects. Some of these medications include:

• Warfarin (Coumadin)
• Theophylline (Theo-24, Elixophyllin, Theochron)
• Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
• Lovastatin (Altoprev)
• Sildenafil (Viagra)

Erythromycin in Pregnancy

Erythromycin is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy when prescribed by a healthcare provider. However, always consult with your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine providers before starting any new medication during pregnancy.

Erythromycin while Breastfeeding

Erythromycin passes into breast milk but is generally considered safe for use while breastfeeding. However, it’s always crucial to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine professionals.

Estimated Cost of Medication

The estimated cost for a 30-day supply of Erythromycin without insurance, using a GoodRx coupon, is approximately $30 – $40. However, prices may vary depending on the pharmacy, location, and dosage prescribed.

Possible Alternatives

It’s always essential to discuss alternative treatments with your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine providers before making any changes to your treatment plan. Here are possible alternatives for the diseases mentioned:

• Streptococcal Infections: Penicillin antibiotics
• Syphilis: Penicillin
• Lyme Disease: Doxycycline
• Chlamydia: Doxycycline, Azithromycin
• Pneumonia: Levofloxacin, Amoxicillin
• Gastroparesis (off-label use): Metoclopramide, dietary changes

Recent Updates on Erythromycin Research

Current research on Erythromycin continues to explore its potential benefits and uses. A recent study suggested that Erythromycin might have anti-inflammatory properties, which could make it useful in treating certain types of chronic inflammatory conditions. However, further research is required in this area.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and is not meant to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication.

Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.