Erythromycin (erythromycin): function, dosage, side effects, how to use

Erythromycin (Erythromycin) What medicine?

What is Erythromycin (Erythromycin) used for?

Erythromycin or it can also be called erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic drug that has several types of medicinal preparations, ranging from medicinal liquids to oral medications in the form of tablets.

Just like other antibiotic drugs, erythromycin works by stopping the growth of bacteria in the body.

Therefore, erythromycin is used to treat various kinds of bacterial infections in the body, such as:

• Skin infection
• Respiratory tract infection
• Diphtheria
• Legionnaires' disease
• Syphilis

This drug can also be used to treat rheumatic fever in patients who have an allergic reaction due to the use of penicillin or sulfa drugs.

However, keep in mind that erythromycin can only be used to treat and prevent bacterial infections. So you can't use it to treat infections caused by viruses, such as influenza.

If forced, the use of antibiotics is not right or wrong, the drug will not work effectively.

You can only get this medicine with a doctor's prescription and not sold freely.

How to use Erythromycin (Erythromycin)?

Some of the things that you should pay attention to when using erythromycin are as follows:

• Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
• This medicine should be taken before meals because it is easier to absorb when the stomach is empty. However, if you feel nauseous, you can have it with food or milk.
• If you are using a tablet form, swallow it whole, do not chew it or crush it first.
• If you are using a liquid preparation in injection (usually for serious infections), use this medicine through an IV needle that is injected through a vein.
• Do not use liquid medicinal preparations if the medicinal liquid looks cloudy, has changed color, or has particles in it. Only use when the liquid looks clear.
• Shake the medicinal liquid first before putting it into the injection bottle.
• To determine the dose, use a special dose measuring device, do not use household utensils such as spoons and other household utensils.
• The dose given to you is based on your health condition and response to therapy. For children, the dosage can also be determined based on age and body weight.
• Use the medicine at the same time every day.
• Do not stop using it even though the symptoms you are experiencing have disappeared, continue to take the medicine according to the doctor's recommendation.
• Do not stop using this medication without your doctor's permission.

How is Erythromycin (Erythromycin) stored?

Erythromycin is best stored at room temperature and away from direct light and damp places. Do not store erythromycin in the bathroom and do not freeze it in the freezer.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about how to safely get rid of erythromycin.

Erythromycin (Erythromycin) dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of Erythromycin (Erythromycin) for adults?

Adult dose for campylobacter gastroenteritis

Mild to moderate infections:

250-500 milligrams (mg) (base, estolate, stearate) or 400-800 mg (ethylsuccinate) taken every 6 hours.

Severe infection:

1-4 grams / day IV in divided doses every 6 hours or by continuous infusion.

Adult dosage for chancroid

Mild to moderate infections:

250-500 milligrams (mg) (base, estolate, stearate) or 400-800 mg (ethylsuccinate) taken every 6 hours.

Severe infection:

1-4 grams / day IV in divided doses every 6 hours or by continuous infusion.

Adult dose for lymphogranuloma venereum (LPV)

Mild to moderate infections:

250-500 milligrams (mg) (base, estolate, stearate) or 400-800 mg (ethylsuccinate) taken every 6 hours.

Severe infection:

1-4 grams / day IV in divided doses every 6 hours or by continuous infusion.

Adult dosage for mycoplasma pneumonia

Mild to moderate infections:

250-500 milligrams (mg) (base, estolate, stearate) or 400-800 mg (ethylsuccinate) taken every 6 hours.

Severe infection:

1-4 grams / day IV in divided doses every 6 hours or by continuous infusion.

Adult dosage for non-gonorrhea urethritis

Mild to moderate infections:

250-500 milligrams (mg) (base, estolate, stearate) or 400-800 mg (ethylsuccinate) taken every 6 hours.

Severe infection:

1-4 grams / day IV in divided doses every 6 hours or by continuous infusion.

Adult dosage for otitis media

Mild to moderate infections:

250-500 milligrams (mg) (base, estolate, stearate) or 400-800 mg (ethylsuccinate) taken every 6 hours.

Severe infection:

1-4 grams / day IV in divided doses every 6 hours or by continuous infusion.

Adult dosage for pharyngitis

Mild to moderate infections:

250-500 milligrams (mg) (base, estolate, stearate) or 400-800 mg (ethylsuccinate) taken every 6 hours.

Severe infection:

1-4 grams / day IV in divided doses every 6 hours or by continuous infusion.

Adult dosage for pneumonia

Mild to moderate infections:

250-500 milligrams (mg) (base, estolate, stearate) or 400-800 mg (ethylsuccinate) taken every 6 hours.

Severe infection:

1-4 grams / day IV in divided doses every 6 hours or by continuous infusion.

Adult dosage for skin or soft tissue infections

Mild to moderate infections:

250-500 milligrams (mg) (base, estolate, stearate) or 400-800 mg (ethylsuccinate) taken every 6 hours.

Severe infection:

1-4 grams / day IV in divided doses every 6 hours or by continuous infusion.

Adult dosage for syphilis - initial

Mild to moderate infections:

250-500 milligrams (mg) (base, estolate, stearate) or 400-800 mg (ethylsuccinate) taken every 6 hours.

Severe infection:

1-4 grams / day IV in divided doses every 6 hours or by continuous infusion.

Adult dosage for upper respiratory tract infections

Mild to moderate infections:

250-500 milligrams (mg) (base, estolate, stearate) or 400-800 mg (ethylsuccinate) taken every 6 hours.

Severe infection:

1-4 grams / day IV in divided doses every 6 hours or by continuous infusion.

Adult dosage for bronchitis

Mild to moderate infections:

250-500 milligrams (mg) (base, estolate, stearate) or 400-800 mg (ethylsuccinate) taken every 6 hours.

Severe infection:

1-4 grams / day IV in divided doses every 6 hours or by continuous infusion.

Adult dosage for chlamydia infection

Mild to moderate infections:

250-500 milligrams (mg) (base, estolate, stearate) or 400-800 mg (ethylsuccinate) taken every 6 hours.

Severe infection:

1-4 grams / day IV in divided doses every 6 hours or by continuous infusion.

Adult dosage for lyme disease

Mild to moderate infections:

250-500 milligrams (mg) (base, estolate, stearate) or 400-800 mg (ethylsuccinate) taken every 6 hours.

Severe infection:

1-4 grams / day IV in divided doses every 6 hours or by continuous infusion.

Adult dosage for legionella pneumonia

Although the dosage has not been determined, studies have used 1-4 grams / day orally or IV in divided doses every 6 hours or by continuous infusion.

Adult dosage for the prophylaxis of bacterial endocarditis

1 gram (stearate) or 800 mg (ethylsuccinate) taken 2 hours before the procedure, then take 1.5 times the initial dose taken 6 hours later.

Adult dosage for rheumatic fever prophylaxis

250 mg orally 2 times a day.

What is the dose of Erythromycin (Erythromycin) for children?

Child dosage for prophylaxis of bacterial endocarditis

20 mg / kilogram (ethylsuccinate or stearate) taken 2 hours before the procedure, then take 1.5 times the initial dose taken after 6 hours later.

Child dosage for pneumonia

50 mg / kg / day orally in divided doses every 6 hours for at least 2 weeks of use.

Child dosage for chlamydia infection

50 mg / kg / day orally in divided doses every 6 hours for at least 2 weeks of use.

Child dosage for rheumatic fever prophylaxis

250 mg orally 2 times a day.

Child dosage for pertussis

40-50 mg / kg / day, taken every 6 hours for 14 days (2 weeks). Maximum dose: 2 grams / day (not recommended for infants less than 1 month).

In what dosage is Erythromycin available?

Erythromycin is available in the following dosages.

• Capsule Delayed Release Particles, Oral, as a base: 250 mg
• Solution Reconstituted, Intravenous, as lactobionate: 500 mg, 1000 mg
• Suspension Reconsituted, Oral, as ethylsuccinate: 200 mg / 5 mL (100 mL); 400 mg / 5 mL (100 mL)
• Tablet, Oral, as a base: 250 mg, 500 mg
• Tablet, Oral, as ethylsuccinate: 400 mg
• Tablet, Oral, as stearate: 250 mg
• Tablets, Delayed Release, Oral, as a base: 250 mg, 333mg, 500 mg

Erythromycin (Erythromycin) side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to Erythromycin?

There are some serious side effects that may occur as a result of using erythromycin. If you experience it, stop using the drug immediately and get medical care immediately. These side effects include:

• dark urine
• hard to breathe
• loss of the sense of hearing
• chest tightness and an erratic heartbeat
• allergic reactions such as redness, skin rash, itchy skin, peeling skin
• chronic diarrhea to the point of passing water
• unusually weak and tired
• jaundice (yellow eyes and skin)

There are also side effects that are less severe, and usually go away on their own, namely:

• mild diarrhea
• loss of appetite
• nausea and vomiting
• stomach ache

Not everyone experiences the side effects described above. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Erythromycin (Erythromycin) side effects

What should be known before using Erythromycin?

Before using erythromycin, there are several things you should do, including:

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have any allergies to erythromycin or any medicines that contain erythromycin.
• Tell your doctor all types of allergies you have, from allergies to drugs, food, preservatives and dyes, to allergies to animals.
• Tell your doctor about the drugs you are currently using, from prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, herbal medicines, to multivitamins.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease, yellowing of the skin or eyes, colitis, or stomach problems.
• if you are having surgery, even if it is dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are under erythromycin.

Is Erythromycin safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the equivalent of the POM in Indonesia.

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Studies in women suggest that this drug poses a minor risk to the baby if it is used while breastfeeding. However, to be safe using erythromycin for both mother and baby who are breastfeeding, you should first discuss with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using the drug.

Erythromycin (Erythromycin) Drug Warnings and Cautions

What medicines may interact with Erythromycin?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this article. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Many drugs can interact with erythromycin. Not all possible interactions will be listed here. However, drugs that may interact with erythromycin include:

• antiviral drugs (drugs to treat hepatitis, or HIV / AIDS)
• antifungal medication
• other antibiotics
• cancer drugs
• cholesterol-lowering drugs or triglycerides
• medicine to treat or prevent malaria
• medicine to treat pulmonary artery hypertension
• heart or blood pressure medication
• medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection or
• medicine to treat depression or mental illness.

This list is not complete and many other drugs can interact with erythromycin. Includes prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal products. Give a list of all your medications to the health care provider who treats you.

Can food or alcohol interact with Erythromycin?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions may interact with Erythromycin?

Any other health problem in your body can affect erythromycin use. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems, in particular:

• bradycardia (slow heart rate)
• heart rhythm problems (eg long QT)
• hypokalemia (low potassium levels in the blood), uncorrected
• hypomagnesemia (low magnesium levels in the blood), uncorrected
• congestive heart failure. The form of the drug in the form of granules and tablets contains sodium, which can aggravate this condition.
• increase in liver enzymes
• Liver disease (including cholestatic hepatitis)
• myasthenia gravis (severe muscle weakness). Use with caution because the interactions that occur can exacerbate this condition.

Erythromycin (Erythromycin) overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (118/119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of erythromycin, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.