Erythromycin: Potent Macrolide Antibiotic for Bacterial Infections
| Product dosage: 250mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 90 | $0.47 | $42.14 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $0.43 | $56.19 $51.60 (8%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $0.40 | $84.28 $72.24 (14%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $0.38 | $126.42 $101.48 (20%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $0.37
Best per pill | $168.56 $131.58 (22%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Erythromycin is a macrolide-class antibiotic medication with broad-spectrum activity against numerous gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria. As a bacteriostatic agent that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit, it serves as an effective alternative for patients with penicillin allergies. This versatile antibiotic has been clinically proven for decades in treating respiratory, skin, and soft tissue infections, offering reliable microbial eradication with well-characterized safety profiles. Its multiple formulations—including oral tablets, topical solutions, and ophthalmic preparations—provide tailored therapeutic approaches for various clinical scenarios.
Features
- Belongs to the macrolide class of antibiotics with bacteriostatic action
- Available in multiple formulations: oral tablets, capsules, suspensions, topical ointments, and ophthalmic preparations
- Demonstrates activity against gram-positive cocci, including Streptococcus pyogenes and pneumoniae
- Shows efficacy against atypical pathogens such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Legionella pneumophila
- Available as enteric-coated tablets to reduce gastric irritation
- Multiple salt forms including erythromycin base, stearate, and ethylsuccinate for optimized delivery
Benefits
- Provides effective treatment for community-acquired pneumonia and other respiratory tract infections
- Serves as a well-tolerated alternative for penicillin-allergic patients requiring antibiotic therapy
- Offers flexible dosing regimens with multiple administration routes for customized treatment plans
- Demonstrates proven efficacy against acne vulgaris through topical formulation application
- Reduces transmission of pertussis (whooping cough) when used as post-exposure prophylaxis
- Prevents ophthalmia neonatorum when administered as neonatal ocular prophylaxis
Common use
Erythromycin is commonly prescribed for bacterial pharyngitis, skin and soft tissue infections, community-acquired pneumonia, and pertussis prophylaxis. Dermatologists frequently recommend topical erythromycin for inflammatory acne vulgaris due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The ophthalmic formulation is standard for neonatal ocular prophylaxis to prevent gonococcal and chlamydial conjunctivitis. Off-label uses include treatment for campylobacter gastroenteritis, syphilis in penicillin-allergic patients, and preoperative bowel preparation in colorectal surgery.
Dosage and direction
Adults: Typical dosage ranges from 250-500 mg orally every 6 hours, or 500 mg-1 g every 12 hours for extended-release formulations. Maximum daily dose should not exceed 4 grams.
Children: 30-50 mg/kg/day divided into 3-4 doses. For severe infections, dosage may be increased to 60 mg/kg/day.
Topical application: Apply thin layer to affected area twice daily after cleansing skin.
Ophthalmic use: Apply 0.5-inch ribbon to conjunctival sac up to 6 times daily for acute infections.
Always complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve earlier. Take oral doses with food to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort unless specifically directed otherwise.
Precautions
Monitor liver function tests during prolonged therapy due to risk of hepatotoxicity. Use with caution in patients with pre-existing liver disease or hepatic impairment. May prolong QT interval; exercise caution in patients with cardiac conditions or those taking other QT-prolonging medications. Superinfections with nonsusceptible organisms may occur. Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with nearly all antibacterial agents—evaluate if diarrhea develops. Topical use may cause skin irritation; discontinue if severe irritation occurs.
Contraindications
Known hypersensitivity to erythromycin or other macrolide antibiotics. Concomitant use with ergot derivatives or terfenadine. Patients with history of cholestatic jaundice or hepatic dysfunction associated with prior erythromycin use. Avoid use in patients with congenital QT prolongation or documented ventricular arrhythmias including torsades de pointes.
Possible side effect
Common: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite. Less frequent: reversible hearing loss at high doses, QT prolongation, pseudomembranous colitis. Dermatological: skin rashes, urticaria. Hepatic: elevated liver enzymes, cholestatic hepatitis. Topical: burning sensation, dryness, peeling at application site. Ophthalmic: temporary blurring of vision, eye irritation.
Drug interaction
Significant interactions with: warfarin (increased anticoagulant effect), carbamazepine (elevated levels), digoxin (increased bioavailability), theophylline (elevated serum concentrations), cyclosporine (increased nephrotoxicity risk), simvastatin (increased rhabdomyolysis risk). Contraindicated with ergot alkaloids and terfenadine. May inhibit CYP3A4 metabolism of numerous medications.
Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as remembered. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses to make up for a missed dose. Maintain consistent timing between doses to ensure stable antibiotic concentrations.
Overdose
Symptoms may include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and hearing loss. Hepatic dysfunction and QT prolongation may occur with massive overdoses. Management is supportive with gastric lavage if presented early. Monitor cardiac function and electrolyte status. Hemodialysis is not effective for removal. Contact poison control center immediately for guidance.
Storage
Store at room temperature (15-30°C) in original container. Protect from light and moisture. Keep oral suspension refrigerated and discard after 14 days. Do not freeze. Keep all medications out of reach of children and pets. Do not store in bathroom cabinets due to humidity fluctuations.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment regimen. Dosage and administration should be determined by a physician based on individual patient factors. The prescribing information provided here may not include all possible uses, directions, precautions, or interactions.
Reviews
Clinical studies demonstrate erythromycin’s efficacy with 85-92% success rates in respiratory infections. Dermatological studies show topical erythromycin reduces inflammatory acne lesions by 50-70% over 8-12 weeks. Patient reviews frequently note effectiveness for skin infections though gastrointestinal side effects are commonly reported. Many penicillin-allergic patients report successful treatment outcomes without adverse reactions. Medical professionals consistently rate erythromycin as valuable therapeutic option despite newer antibiotic availability due to its established safety profile and cost-effectiveness.