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What is this medicine?
ERYTHROMYCIN (er ith roe MYE sin) is a macrolide antibiotic. It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•liver disease
•myasthenia gravis
•taking terfenadine or astemizole
•an unusual or allergic reaction to erythromycin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for injection into a vein. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
•astemizole
•chloroquine
•cisapride
•droperidol
•eplerenone
•ergotamine and dihydroergotamine
•methadone
•other antibiotics, like grepafloxacin or sparfloxacin
•sirolimus
•some medicines for cholesterol like atorvastatin, cerivastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin
•some medicines for irregular heart rhythm like amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, flecainide, procainamide, propafenone, quinidine
•some medicines for psychotic disturbances like mesoridazine, pimozide, thioridazine, ziprasidone
•terfenadine
•vinblastine
•red yeast rice
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
•alfentanil
•bromocriptine
•carbamazepine
•cyclosporine
•digoxin
•some medicines for anxiety or sleep
•phenytoin
•terfenadine
•theophylline
•valproate
•warfarin
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
•breathing problems
•chest pain
•dark urine
•feeling faint, lightheaded
•hearing loss
•irregular heartbeat
•pain, redness where injected
•redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
•unusually weak or tired
•yellowing of eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•diarrhea
•loss of appetite
•nausea, vomiting
•stomach pain
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
If you are using this medicine at home, you will be instructed on how to store this medicine. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.
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.
