This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Ery-Tab Consumer Information
ERY-TAB
Generic Name: erythromycin (er ith roe MYE sin)
Brand Names: E-Mycin, E.E.S. Granules, E.E.S.-200, E.E.S.-400, E.E.S.-400 Filmtab, Ery-Tab, Eryc, EryPed, Eryped 200, Eryped 400, Erythrocin Stearate Filmtab, Erythrocot, Ilosone, MY-E, PCE Dispertab, Robimycin
What is the most important information I should know about erythromycin?
- Do not take erythromycin if you are taking terfenadine (Seldane, Seldane-D), astemizole (Hismanal), cisapride (Propulsid), or pimozide (Orap). Erythromycin may interact with these medicines resulting in dangerous or life-threatening irregular heartbeats.
- Take all of the erythromycin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
What is erythromycin?
- Erythromycin is in a class of drugs called macrolide antibiotics. Erythromycin fights bacteria in the body.
- Erythromycin is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections, such as tonsillitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, whooping cough, Legionnaire's disease, chlamydia, gonorrhea, skin infections, and others.
- Erythromycin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking erythromycin?
- Do not take erythromycin if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- terfenadine (Seldane, Seldane-D);
- astemizole (Hismanal);
- cisapride (Propulsid); or
- pimozide (Orap).
- Erythromycin may interact with these medicines resulting in dangerous or life-threatening irregular heartbeats.
- Before taking erythromycin, tell your doctor if you have liver disease. You may not be able to take erythromycin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
- Erythromycin is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Erythromycin has been used quite extensively during pregnancy, and it is generally considered to be safe. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- Erythromycin passes into breast milk but does not appear to be harmful to a nursing baby. Erythromycin is generally considered to be safe for use by breast-feeding mothers. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take erythromycin?
- Take erythromycin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
- Erythromycin can be taken on an empty stomach or with food or milk.
- Do not crush, chew, or break the extended-release or enteric-coated forms of erythromycin such as E-Mycin, Eryc, Ery-Tab, or Erythromycin Delayed-Release Capsules. Swallow them whole.
- Take all of the erythromycin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
- Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
- Symptoms of an erythromycin overdose include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.
What should I avoid while taking erythromycin?
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Erythromycin may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.