ERYTHROMYCINS

Brand & Generic Names

Akne-mycin	ERYTHROMYCIN STEARATE
Apo-Erythro-S	Erythrozone
E-Base	Ethril
E.E.S.	Ilosone
E/Gel	Ilotycin
Emgel	Kenmycin
E-Mycin	My-E
Eryc	Mythromycin
Ery-derm	Novorythro
EryPed	PCE Dispersatabs
Ery-Tab	Pediamycin
Erythro	Robimycin
Erythrocin	Ro-Mycin
Erythrocot	Staticin
Erythromid	Stiefel
ERYTHROMYCIN-BASE	Theramycinz
ERYTHROMYCIN ESTOLATE	T-Stat
ERYTHROMYCIN ETHYLSUCCINATE	Wintrocin
ERYTHROMYCIN GLUCEPTATE	Wyamycin E
ERYTHROMYCIN LACTOBIONATE	Wyamycin S

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? Yes
• Drug class: Antibiotic (erythromycin)

Uses

Treatment of infections responsive to erythromycin.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablet or capsule--Swallow with liquid.
Extended-release tablets or capsules-- Swallow each dose whole. If you take regular tablets, you may chew or crush them.
Liquid, drops, granules, skin ointment, eye ointment, skin solution--Follow prescription label directions.

When to take:
At the same times each day, 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.

If you forget a dose:
If you take 3 or more doses daily--Take as soon as you remember. Return to regular schedule.
If you take 2 doses daily--Take as soon as you remember. Wait 5 to 6 hours for next dose. Return to regular schedule.

What drug does:
Prevents growth and reproduction of susceptible bacteria.

Time lapse before drug works:
2 to 5 days.

Don't take with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea.

WHAT TO DO:

Overdose unlikely to threaten life. If person takes much larger amount than prescribed, call doctor, poison-control center or hospital emergency room for instructions.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

None expected.

Common:

Mild nausea.

Infrequent:

• Diarrhea, abdominal cramps, discomfort, vomiting, rash.
• Skin dryness, irritation, itch, stinging with use of skin solution, sore mouth or tongue.

Rare:

• Jaundice in adults, hearing loss.
• Unusual tiredness or weakness.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:

• You are allergic to any erythromycin.
• You have had liver disease or impaired liver function.

Before you start, consult your doctor:
If you have taken erythromycin estolate in the past.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons, especially skin reactions around genitals and anus.

Pregnancy:
No proven harm to unborn child. Avoid if possible. Consult doctor.

Breast-feeding:
Drug passes into milk. Avoid drug or discontinue nursing until you finish medicine. Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.

Infants & children:
Use only under medical supervision.

Prolonged use:

• You may become more susceptible to infections caused by germs not responsive to erythromycin.
• Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical examinations or laboratory studies to check liver function.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
No problems expected.

Discontinuing:
You must take full dose at least 10 consecutive days for streptococcal or staphylococcal infections.

Others:
No problems expected.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Aminophylline	Increased effect of aminophylline
	in blood.
Astemizole	Increased risk of heart toxicity.
Caffeine	Increased effect of caffeine.
Cefixime	Decreased antibiotic effect of
	cefixime.
Cyclosporins	May increase cyclosporin toxicity.
Ketaconazole	Possible heartbeat irregularity.
Lincomycins*	Decreased lincomycin effect.
Oxtriphylline	Increased level of oxtriphylline in
	blood.
Penicillins*	Decreased penicillin effect.
Terfenadine	Increased risk of heart toxicity.
Theophylline	Increased level of theophylline in
	blood.
Warfarin	Increased risk of bleeding.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	Possible liver damage.
Caffeine containing.	Increased caffeine toxicity. Avoid.
Cocaine:	None expected.
Wines, syrup, acidic	Decreased antibiotic effect.
Marijuana:	None expected.
Tobacco:	None expected.