Erythromycin (Erythrocin, Ilotycin, Ilosone, E-Mycin)
Purpose of Medication and Method of Action
Erythromycin is an antibiotic which is used primarily for the treatment of mild to moderate infections due to susceptible infections. Among these are: mycoplasma, Legionnaire¹s disease, chlamydia, pertussis and streptococcal infections. It is also used to the systemic and topical treatment of acne. It acts by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis
Side Effects
Moderate to sever nausea is a common side effect of erythromycin particularly at doses of 500 mg. This nausea is not due to a local effect of erythromycin on the stomach but instead is due to an effect on the nausea center in the brain. Other occasionally experienced side effects are: rash, diarrhea, and rarely, a transient impairment of hearing.
Drug Interactions
Erythromycin can impair the metabolism of many drugs and its systemic use along with other drugs should be carefully reviewed. Among the drugs whose blood levels and side effects that will be potentiated are: carbamazepine (Tegretol), steroids such as prednisone, digoxin, warfarin (Coumadin), and theophylline.
Cautions and Contraindications
None
Usual Dose
250-500 mg every 6 hours for 7-10 days
Patient Medication Information
These information sheets do not list all known side effects of the medications, only the most common side effects. For a complete list of side effects please contact your local pharmacy or the actual drug manufacturing company.