POM
Erythromycin can also be obtained on prescription (POM) and the strength dispensed will depend upon age, weight and clinical need.
Formulations
Erythromycin is available as tablets, capsules, and suspension. The following strengths can be obtained:
Class of drug
Erythromycin is an antibiotic of the macrolide type
Indications
Erythromycin is used to treat a wide range of commonly occurring bacterial infections involving the upper (e.g. tonsillitis, peritonsillar abscess, pharyngitis, laryngitis, sinusitis) and lower respiratory tract (chest infections), ear, dental and stomach infections. It is often used in place of penicillin’s where patients are known to be allergic to penicillin type antibiotics. It may also be used long term to prevent infections occurring in susceptible individuals.
How does it work?
Erythromycin belongs to a group of antibiotics called macrolides. Macrolides work by suppressing the bacterial protein making machinery. This prevents bacterial growth and replication.
How is it taken?
Erythromycin is usually taken orally four times a day. Tablets should be taken while fasting or immediately before food. The following formulations are not affected by food, i.e. Erythroped A® (Erythromycin Ethy Succinate) and Erythrocin® (erythromycin stearate). Patients taking Erythromycin are normally advised to stop taking any Statins, please check with your doctor first before stopping any medication. Patients taking the oral combined contraceptive should be aware that antibiotics may affect the absorption of their pill and reduce its effectiveness. Alternative barrier methods of contraception (condoms) should be used during a short course of antibiotic with erythromycin (less than 3 weeks) and for 7 days after stopping it. If antibiotic treatment with erythromycin is continued for more than 3 weeks then no additional contraception method is required unless the antibiotic is changed.
Pregnancy and breast feeding
Erythromycin can be used in pregnancy and its suitability has been well documented. Like all medication in pregnancy though, it should only be used when necessary. Erythromycin is excreted in small amounts in breast milk but is not known to be harmful.
Contra-indications
Erythromycin should be avoided by patients who have are allergic to it. Patient with severe liver disease are also advised to avoid Erythromycin. Patients taking the following drugs must not take erythromycin:
Side-effects
The most common side-effects of therapy with Erythromycin include:
The less common and very rare side effects of therapy with Amoxicillin include:
