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What is erythromycin injection?
ERYTHROMYCIN (Erythrocin®, Ilotycin®) is a macrolide antibiotic. Erythromycin kills certain bacteria or stops their growth. It treats many kinds of infection, including pneumonia (lung infections), skin infections, some sexually transmitted diseases, and Legionnaire's disease. Generic erythromycin injections are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• hearing problems
• heart disease
• liver disease
• stomach problems (especially colitis)
• other chronic illness
• an unusual or allergic reaction to erythromycin, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Erythromycin injection is for infusion into a vein. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop using except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What drug(s) may interact with erythromycin?
• astemizole
• carbamazepine
• cisapride
• colchicine
• cyclosporine
• digoxin
• dihydroergotamine
• dofetilide
• doxercalciferol
• entacapone
• ergotamine
• certain medicines for anxiety or difficulty sleeping
• other antibiotics, like grepafloxacin or sparfloxacin
• oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
• paricalcitol
• pimozide
• 'statin' medicines for reducing cholesterol (atorvastatin, cerivastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin and others)
• terfenadine
• theophylline
• warfarin
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking erythromycin?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 2 to 3 days.
If you get severe or watery diarrhea, do not treat yourself. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.
What side effects may I notice from receiving erythromycin?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• dark yellow or brown urine
• difficulty breathing
• hearing loss
• pain, swelling and irritation at the injection site
• ringing in the ears
• severe or watery diarrhea
• skin rash or itching
• swelling of face or neck
• yellowing of eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• diarrhea
• loss of appetite
• nausea, vomiting
• stomach pain
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
After mixing the injection solution, store in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F) and use within seven days unless otherwise directed. Throw away any unused portion. Further diluted solutions should not be stored for more than a few hours; follow manufacturers advice.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
