Erythromycin

What erythromycin is for

Erythromycin is mainly used to treat bacterial infections, including:

• chest infections
• dental abscesses
• sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

It's also sometimes used to treat skin conditions such as acne and rosacea.

How to take erythromycin

Erythromycin usually comes as tablets, capsules or a liquid you swallow (oral suspension).

How much you need to take and for how long depends on why you're taking it. Most people need to take it 2 to 4 times a day for a few days or weeks.

When taking erythromycin:

• try to take it at the same time each day and space your doses evenly throughout the day
• swallow tablets or capsules whole with a glass of water
• check the packet or leaflet to see if you need to take it before, or with, food
• use the syringe or cup that comes with the liquid medicine (oral suspension) to help you measure the right dose

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.

If you miss a dose of erythromycin

If you forget to take a dose of erythromycin, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose.

If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you take too much erythromycin

Taking an extra dose of erythromycin is unlikely to cause problems, but it's important to get medical advice if you take too much because it can sometimes be dangerous.

Side effects of erythromycin

Like all medicines, erythromycin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

Common side effects of erythromycin include:

• feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting)
• diarrhoea
• not wanting to eat as much (loss of appetite)
• bloating and indigestion

Erythromycin should not affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery.

Serious side effects

Erythromycin can sometimes cause serious side effects, although most of them are rare.

Possible serious side effects of erythromycin include:

• an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash and difficulty breathing
• severe stomach pain – this can be a sign of pancreas problems
• yellowing of the whites of your eyes or your skin (this may be more difficult to see on brown and black skin), or pale poo with dark pee – these can be signs of liver or gallbladder problems
• severe diarrhoea including diarrhoea that does not go away or with blood or mucas in

Who can and cannot take erythromycin

Most adults and children can take erythromycin.

But erythromycin is not suitable for some people. For example, it may not be suitable if:

• you've had an allergic reaction or serious side effect from erythromycin
• you have liver or kidney problems
• you have myasthenia gravis
• you have a blood condition called porphyria

Before taking erythromycin, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and erythromycin

Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding.

You can take erythromycin tablets, capsules and liquid while breastfeeding, but it's best to check because the medicine can pass into your breast milk.

Your doctor will discuss it with you and may advise you to continue taking erythromycin if the benefits to you outweigh the risks to your baby.

If you're using erythromycin lotion while breastfeeding, it’s unlikely that any will get into your breast milk. If you're using it on your chest, wash it off with warm water before feeding your baby.

It's rare for breastfed babies to get any side effects from medicines you're using but speak to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your baby.

Pregnancy and erythromycin

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant (or get pregnant) while taking erythromycin.

Erythromycin can be used during pregnancy if needed. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking it while you're pregnant.

Find out more about taking erythromycin during pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website

Taking erythromycin with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with erythromycin.

This includes:

• domperidone, to treat feeling and being sick (nausea and vomiting)
• anticoagulants like warfarin or rivaroxaban
• medicines for mental health problems called pimozide or amisulpride
• statin medicines, such as simvastatin and lovastatin

Do not use the herbal supplement St John's wort when taking erythromycin.

Before taking erythromycin, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Food, drink and alcohol with erythromycin

You can eat as normal while taking erythromycin, but try to limit how much alcohol you drink.