Generic Name : ERYTHROMYCIN ABSTRACT – Erythromycin drug is used to treat symptoms arising out of different kinds of...
Erythromycin
Erythromycin drug is used to treat symptoms arising out of different kinds of bacterial infections in the body. This medication is also called as macrolide antibiotic which works by stopping the growth of bacteria. It slows bacterial growth by preventing the production of certain proteins on which bacteria survives. It does not work for treating viral infections like flu or common cold.
DOSAGE –
- Erythromycin has to be taken as directed by the doctors.
- Adult dosages:
- Pediatric dosages:
250 mg to 500 mg orally every 6 hours
20 mg every two hours
SIDE EFFECTS –
- Bloating
- Irregular heartbeats
- Painful, bloody or cloudy urine
- Diarrhea
- Faintness
- Swelling in the feet or lower legs
- Unusual weight loss
- Decreased frequency of urination
- Hearing loss
- Abdominal or stomach pain
- Irregular or slow heart rates
- Light-colored stools
- Nausea
- Fever
- General tiredness and weakness
- Increased thirst
- Stomach cramps or tenderness
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Dark urine
- Yellow eyes and skin
RARE SIDE EFFECTS:
- Chills
- Difficulty with swallowing
- Red skin lesions
- Puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips and tongue
- Fast heartbeats
- Tightness in the chest
- Skin rash
- Sore throat and ulcers
DRUG INTERACTIONS –
- Atorvastatin
- Escitalopram
- Haloperidol
- Warfarin
- Troleandomycin
- Vandetanib
- Ziprasidone
- Hydrocodone
- Ibrutinib
- Ibutilide
- Fentanyl
- Fingolimod
- Avanafil
- Axitinib
- Crizotinib
- Dasatinib
- Ribociclib
- Neratinib
- Olaparib
- Ritonavir
- Saquinavir
- Ivosidenib
- Ketoconazole
Erythromycin has major interactions with 149 different drugs.
MODERATE DRUG INTERACTIONS –
- Atomoxetine
- Azithromycin
- Balsalazide
- Cortisone
- Dabigatran
- Hydroxyprogesterone
- Propafenone
- Protriptyline
- Hydroxyzine
- Idarubicin
- Imatinib
- Dabrafenib
- Betamethasone
- Bicalutamide
Erythromycin has moderate interactions with 325 different drugs.
PRECAUTIONS –
- This drug contains inactive ingredients which may result in allergic reactions. So a pharmacist must be consulted before consuming it.
- It is an utmost necessity to discuss any medical history related to muscle disease, kidney disease or any type of liver disease.
- Avoid having any vaccinations or immunizations while using this drug.
- This medication may affect the heart rhythm which may cause adverse heart symptoms like fainting, heart failure, strokes, slow heartbeat.
- This drug contains certain amount of sodium which is not recommended for the patients who are on a salt-restricted diet.
- The drug works best on the body when taken on empty stomach. In case nausea occurs, it should be taken with milk.
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION WITH ERYTHROMYCIN:
- Use of Erythromycin in pregnancy may be acceptable only if the benefits exceed the risks involved.
- Studies in animal pregnancy have shown adverse effects on fetus. But no adequate studies have been found in humans to access the damage involved.
- Do not nurse while on drug course, as this drug may transfer through breast milk and may harm a newborn.
WARNINGS –
- Do not use this drug without need otherwise it might prove fatal for treating future infections.
- Side effects of this drug are more serious on older adults and may lead to loss of hearing.
- Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.