Pharmaceutical Drug Manufacturers

Generic name: Erythromycin
Brand names: ERYC, Ery-Tab, Erythromycin Base Filmtab, PCE, Dispertab, Pediazole, Ilosone

Description
Erythromycin is an antibiotic belonging to the group of drugs called macrolide antibiotics. It is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria. This macrolide antibiotic has an antimicrobial spectrum which is slightly similar or wider than that of penicillin, and is usually prescribed for people that have an allergy to penicillins. Erythromycin prevents bacteria from producing proteins, which interferes with bacterial growth, while not affecting human cells.

Available as capsule, tablet, long-acting capsule/tablet, chewable tablet, liquid, and pediatric drops

Uses
It is used to treat the following:

• Bronchitis
• Legionnaires' disease (streptococcal pneumoniae, mycoplasma pneumoniae, and legionella pneumophila)
• Diphtheria
• Whooping cough (pertussis)
• Pneumonia
• Venereal disease (VD)
• Rheumatic fever
• Lung infection (pneumonias)
• Ear, urinary tract, intestine, and skin infections.
• It is also used before some surgery or dental work to prevent infection.
• Used in patients who are allergic to penicillin for the prevention of recurrent rheumatic fever.

How to use erythromycin?

• Shake the liquid and pediatric drops well before each use.
• Use a proper measuring dropper or spoon to measure the exact dose.
• Usually prescribed to be taken every 6 hours (four times a day) or every 8 hours (three times a day). This can extend from 7 to 21 days depending on the infection.
• Follow the directions on your packet carefully, or take erythromycin exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than prescribed

Safety tips

• Before taking erythromycin, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, yellowing of the skin or eyes, colitis, or stomach problems. You may not be able to take the medicine or you may require a special tests or dosage adjustment during treatment.
• Do not take the medicine with astemizole (Hismanal), terfenadine (Seldane), pimozide (Orap) or cisapride (Propulsid) . It may interact with these medicines and could cause life-threatening heart rhythm disorders.
• Do not crush, chew, or break tablet. Swallow the pill whole.
• Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays while taking Erythromycin because it can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or are breast-feeding.
• Take erythromycin at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals though certain brands of erythromycin may be taken with meals. Do not take this medicine with or just after, fruit juices or carbonated drinks.

Side effects

Erythromycin may cause side effects such as follows:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Wheezing
• Skin rash
• Itching
• Hives
• Pale stools