Erythromycin

Erythromycin has a number of products. Do not be confused with such drugs like Erythromycin Chewable Tablets, Erythromycin ER, Erythromycin Lactobionate Injection, Erythromycin Ophthalmic Ointment, Erythromycin Oral Suspension, Erythromycin Topical and Erythromycin tablets and capsules.

Erythromycin is medically termed as macrolide antibiotic. Penicillin, which is also an antibiotic, has lesser antimicrobial range than Erythromycin. For people who are delicate to penicillin ingredients, doctors often recommend Erythromycin as a good substitute. Erythromycin combats atypical microorganisms like Legionellosis and mycoplasma in respiratory tract infections. It is also used as treatment for gonorrhea, syphilis, acne and Chlamydia.

Since Erythromycin tablets and capsules are taken by mouth, the patient needs to know specific conditions that may affect the medication of this drug.

Most patients lean on tablet and capsulated forms of Erythromycin. It largely depends though on the doctor’s prescription as to which form will apply. With tablets and capsules, the doctor first needs to know certain medical conditions like hearing trouble, heart problem, liver disease, some chronic illness, colitis and other stomach troubles, allergies to food and other drugs and breast feeding.

Erythromycin has an effective and strong bacterial interference in the body. Tablet forms of Erythromycin are made with enteric coating. This application is also seen in other drug tablets in which the medication chooses a certain site in the digestive system where the drug could easily be absorbed. This is so much true with certain drugs that get destroyed once entering the digestive system even before taking effect.

As with capsule, take it whole. Do not crush Erythromycin tablet too. To help provide convenience in the administering tablet or capsule, sit straight. Sip first a small amount of water, before swallowing the tablet or capsule. It is best to follow up intake with full glass of water. Ask the doctor if it’s okay to take Erythromycin tablet or capsule with meal. If not, your dose needs to be taken 1 to 2 hours before the regular meal or a minimum of 2 hours after the meal. Generally, a dose will have to be taken 10 minutes before going to bed. Be prompt in taking your Erythromycin tablets or capsules. Make sure you don’t miss a dose within the period of medication. If your condition improves earlier, inform your doctor immediately, however, do not end medication without your doctor’s approval.

Interval between Erythromycin tablet or capsule doses can be four to six hours apart. If you missed a dose and nearly it’s time for the next, just skip and resume intake then on the next dosing. If it’s only less than half an hour of the missed dose, you can still catch up. But never increase your dose.

Certain drugs also interact with Erythromycin. Take note if you are taking the following: colchicines, cyclosporine, digoxin, dofetilide, dihydroergotamine, cisapride, astemizole, carbamazepine, doxercalciferol, entacapone, anxiety drugs, sleeping pills, other antibiotics, birth control pills, paricalcitol, pimozide, cholesterol lowering drugs, theophylline, terfenadine and warfarin. You may also be taking non-prescribed medicines, herbal medicines and food supplements, so make sure to tell your doctor about it.

Food and beverages intake will also cause interaction with Erythromycin tablets and capsules. The doctor will also consider your alcohol and caffeine intake. Smoking can also affect medication.

Erythromycin side effects include the following: discoloration of urine to brown or yellow, reduced hearing, breathing difficulty, swallowing difficulty, buzzing sound in the ear, diarrhea, swelling of the neck or the face, rashes on the skin and yellowing of the skin or the eyes.

Tell your doctor immediately about the experienced side effects especially if persistence like watery diarrhea becomes intolerable. This can call dosing adjustment, medication change or discontinuation of medication. Keep your tablets or capsules away from children’s reach and store it in a dry place but not warmer than 30 degree Celsius in temperature.