Erythromycin

About Erythromycin

This belongs to the group of medicines known as antibiotics.

It is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections by killing or stopping the growth of the bacteria.

Erythromycin is particularly useful for treating people who are allergic to penicillin.

Erythromycin is available in tablet, enteric coated tablet, oral solution, and capsule form.

It is also sometimes known as: Erymax; Erythrocin; Erythroped; Erythroped A; Erythroped PI; Erythroped Forte; Rommix; Tiloryth; . You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Erythromycin

Before taking any of this medicine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from liver, kidney or heart problems
• if you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder)
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Erythromycin

• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Swallow Erythromycin tablets, capsules and enteric coated tablets whole (not crushed or chewed), before or with food.
• Always read the printed information leaflet, if possible before beginning treatment.
• Try to take this medicine at regular intervals, as directed by your doctor, to keep a steady level of Erythromycin in your body.
• Try not to miss any doses. If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Never take two doses at the same time to make up.
• Do not take any indigestion remedies, iron or zinc supplements at the same time as this medicine. Take them at least two hours before or two hours after a dose of Erythromycin.
• If you are taking Erythromycin to treat acne it is quite normal to continue treatment for several months.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Erythromycin contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Even if your condition has improved it is important to complete the prescribed course of Erythromycin. If you stop taking this medicine too soon your infection may come back and could be more difficult to treat.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental and emergency treatment, tell your doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking Erythromycin.
• If you have any medical tests, tell the person carrying out the test that you are being treated with Erythromycin.
• Some people develop thrush after taking a course of antibiotics. If you think you have thrush speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
• Important: Oral contraceptives may be less effective while you are taking Erythromycin and unplanned pregnancies have occurred. In addition to taking the contraceptive pill, use a barrier method of contraception (e.g. condoms) while you are taking Erythromycin and for at least seven days after your course of Erythromycin has finished. If these seven days run into a 'pill-free' week, start taking the next packet of contraceptives without leaving a break. If you are taking the type of contraceptive pill that is taken every day or if you need any further advice, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, especially for hayfever, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Erythromycin.

Can Erythromycin cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick), tummy pain and discomfort, diarrhoea, skin rashes, itching or hearing problems.

Important:

• If you experience chest pain or a fluttering heart beat contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital immediately.
• If you experience a skin rash, itching, fever (high temperature), jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), joint pains, swelling of the tongue, throat or face, stop taking Erythromycin and contact your doctor immediately.
• If you experience excessive, watery diarrhoea and severe stomach pains contact your doctor as soon as possible.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Erythromycin

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 29/06/2005