Erythrocin (Erythromycin Stearate)

Do’s

• Take Erythromycin exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, usually before a meal.
• Swallow the medication whole. Do not crush or chew it (it has a bitter taste).
• Take it at evenly spaced times throughout the day for best results.
• Continue taking Erythromycin for the entire prescribed duration, even if symptoms improve.
• If taking it for infection prevention, take it exactly as directed without stopping unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise.

Don'ts

• Don't take Erythromycin with food or milk unless nausea occurs.
• Don't take more or less medication than prescribed.
• Don't stop taking Erythromycin early, even if symptoms disappear.
• Don't take Erythromycin past the expiration date.

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Upset stomach
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Rash
• Itching
• Hives
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Wheezing
• Liver problems, indicated by symptoms such as loss of appetite, stomach pain (especially in the upper right side), tiredness, easy bruising or bleeding, dark urine, clay-colored stools, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Serious Side Effects:

• Serious allergic reactions, although rare, may include symptoms such as rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
• Severe stomach pain
• Diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after the last dose)
• Abnormal liver function tests

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Erythrocin,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider if you have allergies to erythromycin, other macrolide antibiotics, or any ingredients in the medication.

Discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider before using Erythromycin, especially regarding kidney disease, liver disease, or myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness).

Erythromycin can potentially cause irregular heartbeat (QT prolongation). This is a serious but rare side effect.

The risk of QT prolongation with Erythromycin is higher if you have certain heart conditions, a family history of heart problems, or take other medications that affect heart rhythm.

Low blood potassium or magnesium levels can also increase the risk.

Inform your healthcare provider about any relevant conditions or medications.

Erythromycin might interfere with the effectiveness of live bacterial vaccines. Discuss any upcoming vaccinations with your healthcare provider.

Before surgery, inform your healthcare provider about all medications you use, including Erythromycin.

Some Erythromycin products may contain sodium. Consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns about sodium intake.

Older adults may be more susceptible to side effects like hearing loss and QT prolongation.

Consult your healthcare provider before using Erythromycin if you are pregnant.

Erythromycin passes into breast milk. Discuss breastfeeding with your healthcare provider before using this medication.