Erythromycin Side Effects, Overdose and Pregnancy Information

Erythromycin side effects include upset stomach, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea,and vomiting. Rare Erythromycin side effects may include hives, rash, temporary hearing loss, inflammation of the intestine and or severe allergic reaction.

Erythromycin Side Effects Reporting

If you experience any Erythromycin side effects not mentioned above you should report it to your primary health care provider or FDA 1-800-FDA-1088 in the United States, Health Canada 1-866-225-0709 in Canada, MHRA 020 3080 6000 in UK, or TGA 1800 020 653 in Australia.

Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat nearly most bacterial infections of the body including those of throat, ears, and eyes, upper and lower respiratory tract, urinary tract and heart. Erythromycin is also used to treat sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as Gonorrhea and Syphilis as well as rheumatic fever, and bacterial endocarditis. Erythromycin is given especially to those who are otherwise allergic or sensitive to sulfa drugs or penicillin. Like most other antibiotics, erythromycin works best when there is a steady supply of drug in the system. To do that, it is vital not to miss any doses and it should be taken at regularly intervals.

ERYTHROMYCIN WARNING

Consult your physician before taking erythromycin if you have ever had liver disease, myasthenia gravis, or hearing loss.

If a new infection develops, report it to your physician right away.

A severe form of intestinal inflammation may be caused by using Erythromycin. If diarrhea develops, contact your physician right away.

Extended use of erythromycin may result in the resistant bacteria that do not respond to it.
Oral form of Erythromycin drops for ear infections should not be administered to infants younger than 2 months of age.

ERYTHROMYCIN AND PREGNANCY

If you are or planning to become pregnant discuss this with your physician before using erythromycin, though it is considered safe during pregnancy.

Nursing mother should switch to bottle-feed while taking Erythromycin as it passes into breast milk.

ERYTHROMYCIN INTERACTION

Check with your physician before combining erythromycin with the following:

Benzodiazepines
Blood-thinning drugs
Bromocriptine
Carbamazepine
Cyclosporine
Digoxin
Dihydroergotamine
Disopyramide
Ergotamine
Hexobarbital
Seizure medications
Tacrolimus
Theophylline


Combining erythromycin with lovastatin may result in severe muscle wasting and kidney damage.

ERYTHROMYCIN DOSES

ADULTS
250-400 mg every 6 hours, not to exceed 4g in a 24-hour period.

CHILDREN
15-25 mg per pound of body weight depending upon the severity of infection.

ORAL SUSPENSION
½ -2 teaspoon, depending upon body weight, 4 times daily for 10days.

ERYTHROMYCIN OVERDOSE

Erythromycin overdose symptoms may include diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, and vomiting. In case of Erythromycin overdose, seek medical help right away. If you miss a dose of Erythromycin, take it as soon as you can. However, if it is just about time for your next dose, skip the one you forgot and go on with your regular schedule. Never take a double dose of Erythromycin.

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