Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Erythro-Es
What is ERYTHRO-ES used for:
ERYTHRO-ES treats certain bacterial infections:
- of the respiratory tract.
- of skin and other soft tissue.
- passed during sex (e.g. gonorrhea or syphilis).
Antibacterial drugs like erythromycin treat only bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections such as the common cold.
How does ERYTHRO-ES work?
Erythromycin is an antibiotic. It works by killing or stopping the growth of the bacteria. This helps reduce your infection.
What the medicinal ingredient is:
Erythromycin ethylsuccinate
What the important non-medicinal ingredients are:
ERYTHRO-ES contains the following non-medicinal ingredients: aluminum lake, carnauba wax, colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, D & C red #10, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, stearic acid and titanium dioxide.
What dosage forms ERYTHRO-ES comes in:
600 mg Tablets
Do not use ERYTHRO-ES if you:
- are allergic to erythromycin ethylsuccinate or any other ingredients of ERYTHRO-ES.
are taking any of the following medication:
- astemizole* and terfenadine* (antihistamines, for treating allergies).
- cisapride* (for stomach problems).
- 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 ERYTHRO-ES. 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. ERYTHRO-ES can be passed to your baby through breast milk.
Other warnings you should know about:
If you develop diarrhea during or after treatment with erythromycin ethylsuccinate, 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 ERYTHRO-ES:
- 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 ERYTHRO-ES:
- Although you may feel better early in treatment, ERYTHRO-ES should be used exactly as directed.
- Misuse or overuse of erythromycin ethylsuccinate 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. Erythromycin should be swallowed, at least 30 minutes and preferably 2 hours before or after a meal.
Usual dose:
Adults:
- one tablet of 600 mg 3 times a day or as directed by your doctor.
Your doctor may decide to increase the dose depending on the specific condition you have.
Children:
Your doctor will tell you how much ERYTHRO-ES to give your child. This will be based on your child’s weight.
Overdose:
Do not take more capsules than your doctor has told you to.
If you think you have taken too much ERYTHRO-ES, 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 tablet 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 ERYTHRO-ES?
These are not all the possible side effects you may feel when taking ERYTHRO-ES. If you experience any side effects not listed here, contact your healthcare professional.
Side effects may include:
- Anorexia (loss of appetite)
- Confusion.
- Hallucinations.
- Reversible hearing loss
- Vertigo (dizziness, balance problem).
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) | √ | ||
| Seizure | √ | ||
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 ERYTHRO-ES:
- 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.