Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Erythro-Base
What is erythromycin used for:
Erythromycin treats certain bacterial infections:
- of the lungs and throat (respiratory tract).
- of skin and other soft tissue, including acne.
- passed during sex (e.g. syphilis and chlamydia).
Antibacterial drugs like erythromycin treat only bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections such as the common cold. Although you may feel better early in treatment, erythromycin should be used exactly as directed. Misuse or overuse of erythromycin could lead to the growth of bacteria that will not be killed by erythromycin (resistance). This means that erythromycin may not work for you in the future. Do not share your medicine.
How does erythromycin work?
Erythromycin is an antibiotic. It works by killing or stopping the growth of the bacteria that cause your infection.
What the medicinal ingredient is:
Erythromycin
What the important non-medicinal ingredients are:
ERYTHRO-BASE: microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, steraic acid, magnesium stearate, colloidal silicon dioxide, Hydroxypropyl methylcellose 2910 E5, polyethylene glycol 3350, titanium dioxide, carnuba wax and D &C Red #30 Aluminum Lake 30%.
ERYTHRO-EC 250 mg: croscarmellose sodium, stearic acid, hydroxypropyl methylcellose 2910 E5, polyethylene glycol 8000, triethyl citrate, talc 600 mesh, methacrylic acid polymer type C.
ERYTHRO-EC 333 mg: croscarmellose sodium, stearic acid, hydroxypropyl methylcellose 2910 E5, polyethylene glycol 8000, triethyl citrate, talc 600 mesh, methacrylic acid polymer type C.
What dosage forms it comes in:
ERYTHRO-BASE 250 is a pink, oval, biconvex, film–coated tablet, identified “250”, and contains erythromycin (base) 250 mg.
ERYTHRO-EC 250 is a hard gelatin capsule with a white opaque body and an orange opaque cap with “250” imprinted on each capsule contains erythromycin (base) 250 mg.
ERYTHRO-EC 333 is a hard gelatin capsule with a white opaque body and a yellow opaque cap with “333” imprinted on each capsule contains erythromycin (base) 333 mg.
Do not use erythromycin if you:
are allergic to erythromycin or any other ingredients of erythromycin. (see What are the ingredients in erythromycin?).
are taking any of the following medication:
- dihydroergotamine, ergotamine (for migraine).
- cisapride* (for stomach problems).
- astemizole* and terfenadine* (antihistamines, for treating allergies).
- pimozide (for psychiatric problems).
* no longer marketed in Canada
To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take erythromycin. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:
- have liver problems.
- have myasthenia gravis (a disease which causes muscle weakness, difficulty chewing and swallowing and slurred speech).
- have an irregular heartbeat, especially a problem called QT prolongation.
are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Erythromycin is passed to the infant through human breast milk.
Other warnings you should know about:
While taking erythromycin
- Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking erythromycin if you are about to start taking any new medicines.
- Do not stop taking your medicine until your doctor tells you to, even if you are feeling better.
Do not use erythromycin to treat any other medical complaints unless your doctor tells you to. If you develop diarrhea during or after treatment with erythromycin, tell your doctor at once. Do not use any medicine to treat your diarrhea without first checking with your doctor.
Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.
The following may interact with erythromycin:
- alfentanil, midazolam and triazolam (sedatives which may be given before an operation).
- astemizole* and terfenadine* (antihistamines, for treating allergies).
- atorvastatin, lovastatin (for reducing blood cholesterol).
- carbamazepine, hexobarbital, phenytoin (for epilepsy).
- chloramphenicol, clindamycin and lincomycin (for infections).
- cyclosporin (for prevention of rejection after graft or organ transplant).
- cisapride* (for stomach problems).
- digoxin and quinidine (for heart conditions).
- dihydroergotamine, ergotamine (for migraine).
- oral anticoagulants (for preventing blood clots).
- pimozide (for psychiatric problems).
- theophylline (for breathing problems).
* no longer marketed in Canada
How to take erythromycin:
Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully about how much erythromycin to take and when to take it.
Erythromycin should be swallowed, at least 30 minutes and preferably 2 hours before or after a meal.
Usual dose:
Adult dose:
- one capsule of 250 mg 4 times a day,
- one capsule of 333 mg three times a day or
- two capsules of 250 mg twice a day.
Your doctor may decide to increase the dose depending on the specific condition you have.
Child dose:
Your child's doctor will decide the dose of erythromycin to give to your child, depending on your child's age, weight and on the specific condition your child has.
Overdose:
Do not take more capsules than your doctor has told you to.
If you think you have taken too much erythromycin, contact your healthcare professional, hospital emergency department or regional Poison Control Centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.
Missed Dose:
If you should forget to take your capsule at the usual time, take it as soon as you remember unless it is time to take the next one. Continue with the remaining doses as before. Do not take more than one dose at a time.
What are possible side effects from using erythromycin?
These are not all the possible side effects you may feel when taking erythromycin. If you experience any side effects not listed here, contact your healthcare professional.
Side effects may include:
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Stomach pain and discomfort.
- Diarrhea.
- Itching and skin rashes.
- Confusion.
- Hallucinations.
- Vertigo (dizziness, balance problem).
- Seizure.
- Problems with your pancreas.
- Hearing problems.
If they occur, they are likely to be minor and temporary. However, some may be serious and need medical attention.
Serious side effects and what to do about them
| Symptom / effect | Talk to your healthcare professional | Stop taking drug and get immediate medical help | |
| Only if severe | In all cases | ||
COMMON Clostridium difficile colitis (bowel inflammation): severe diarrhea (bloody or watery) with or without stomach cramps and fever | √ | ||
RARE Severe allergic reaction: with symptoms such as swollen mouth, throat, lips, difficulty breathing, skin reactions (rash, blisters, hives) | √ | ||
| Liver problems: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and discomfort, yellowing of the skin and eyes | √ | ||
Abnormal heart rhythm: Irregularities of the heartbeat (palpitations) | √ | ||
If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, talk to your healthcare professional.
Store at room temperature 15°C to 30°C in a tightly closed container.
Keep out of reach and sight of children.
Reporting Side Effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice. |
If you want more information about ERYTHROMYCIN:
- Talk to your healthcare professional
- Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this patient medication information by visiting the Health Canada website (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/drug-product-database.html); the manufacturer’s website http://www.aapharma.ca/en, or by calling 1-877-997-9097.
Lase Revised: March 15, 2018