What it is used for
- Chest and respiratory infections
- Ear, throat and skin infections
- Acne (as tablets or a skin treatment)
- Some sexually transmitted infections
- An option for people allergic to penicillin
- Sometimes used to help the stomach empty
How it works
Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic. It stops bacteria from making the proteins they need to grow, helping clear the infection. It is often used as an alternative for people who are allergic to penicillin.
How it is taken
Comes as tablets, capsules, a liquid (oral suspension), a skin solution or gel for acne, eye ointment, and an injection in hospital. Take or use it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist directs and follow the label. Taking it with or after food can reduce stomach upset.
No doses here on purpose. The right strength and schedule depend on you — only a doctor or pharmacist should set them. Always follow your prescription and the label.
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach upset (more common than with some other antibiotics)
Serious effects — get help
- Severe allergic reaction with swelling or breathing difficulty
- An irregular or fast heartbeat or fainting
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Severe, persistent or bloody diarrhoea
- Hearing changes such as ringing in the ears (usually reversible)
If a reaction is severe — for example trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or collapse — go to the nearest emergency room now or call your local emergency number. Do not wait for an online consultation.
Interactions to watch
- Some statins
- Blood thinners such as warfarin
- Certain heart-rhythm medicines
- Some migraine medicines (ergot type)
- Certain sedatives
- Theophylline
- Many other liver-processed medicines
Who should take care
- Tell your clinician about any macrolide allergy
- Tell your clinician if you have heart rhythm problems
- Tell your clinician if you have liver problems or myasthenia gravis
- It interacts with many medicines, so share a full list
- Discuss pregnancy or breastfeeding with your doctor or pharmacist