erythromycin (oral/injection)

What is the most important information I should know about erythromycin?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using. Many drugs can interact, and some drugs should not be used together.

What is erythromycin?

Erythromycin is an antibiotic that is used to treat or prevent many different types of infections caused by bacteria.

Erythromycin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using erythromycin?

Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with erythromycin. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if you also use:

• lovastatin, simvastatin;
• pimozide; or
• ergotamine, or dihydroergotamine.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver or kidney disease;
• myasthenia gravis;
• a heart rhythm disorder (especially if you take medicine to treat it);
• long QT syndrome (in you or a family member); or
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood).

How should I use erythromycin?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Erythromycin oral is taken by mouth.

Erythromycin injection is given as an infusion into a vein, for a severe infection. A healthcare provider will give your first dose and may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand all instructions.

Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Erythromycin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using erythromycin.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while using erythromycin?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.

What are the possible side effects of erythromycin?

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);
• headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats;
• a seizure;
• hearing problems (rare);
• pancreatitis --severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting; or
• liver problems --loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, easy bruising or bleeding, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Serious side effects may be more likely in older adults, including hearing loss, or a life-threatening fast heart rate.

Common side effects may include:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);
• liver problems; or
• abnormal liver function tests.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect erythromycin?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Many drugs can affect erythromycin, and some drugs should not be used at the same time. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about erythromycin.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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