What is erythromycin?
Erythromycin is in a group of drugs called macrolide antibiotics. Erythromycin fights bacteria in the body.
Erythromycin is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria.
Erythromycin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about erythromycin?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to erythromycin, or if you are also using cisapride (Propulsid), dihydroergotamine (Migranal), ergotamine (Ergomar, Cafergot, Migergot), or pimozide (Orap). Erythromycin may interact with these medicines and could cause dangerous or life-threatening heart rhythm disorders.
Before you take erythromycin, tell your doctor if you have liver disease or myasthenia gravis.
Take this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Erythromycin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Erythromycin can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking erythromycin and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking erythromycin?
You should not not take erythromycin if you are allergic to it, or if you are taking any of the following medicines:
To make sure you can safely take erythromycin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
liver disease; or
myasthenia gravis.
FDA pregnancy category B. Erythromycin is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Erythromycin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.