Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

ERYTHROMYCIN BASE ENTERIC, ERYTHROMYCIN ETHYLSUCCINATE-ORAL

(eh-rith-row-MY-sin base/ETH-ill-SUX-in-ate)

Uses

Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections.

How To Use

Swallow medication whole to prevent stomach upset. May be taken with food or milk if stomach upset does occur. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.

Side Effects

May cause stomach upset, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become severe, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop symptoms of jaundice such as dark urine, clay-colored stools or yellowing of eyes or skin. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection) If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of liver disease/jaundice, and of any allergies you may have. Caution is advised when this drug is used in infants. Though very unlikely to happen, a stomach problem called IHPS (infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis) has been noted. Contact your child's doctor immediately if the child has persistent vomiting or increased irritability. This drug should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Small amounts of drug appear in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all the drugs you may use, (prescription and nonprescription) especially of the following: carbamazepine, cyclosporine, theophylline, certain benzodiazepines (e.g., midazolam, triazolam), warfarin, felodipine (a calcium channel blocker), cisapride, birth control pills, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), digoxin, ergotamine-containing medications, sildenafil, certain live vaccines, disopyramide, phenytoin, all other antibiotics, certain drugs for high cholesterol (e.g., lovastatin). Other drugs besides erythromycin which may affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation in the EKG) include dofetilide, pimozide, quinidine, sotalol, procainamide, and sparfloxacin among others. QTc prolongation can infrequently result in serious, rarely fatal, irregular heartbeats. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. Ask for instructions about whether you need to stop any other QTc-prolonging drugs you may be using in order to minimize the risk of this effect. This drug may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Discuss using other methods of birth control with your doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Notes

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection or give it to someone else. A different medication may be necessary.

Missed Dose

If you should miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.