Erythrocin

Generic name: Erythromycin Tablets [ er-ith-roe-MYE-sin ]
Brand names: Erythrocin, Erythromycin Filmtabs
Drug class: Macrolides

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 11, 2024.

Uses of Erythrocin:

• It is used to treat or prevent bacterial infections.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Erythrocin?

• If you have an allergy to erythromycin or any other part of Erythrocin (erythromycin tablets).
• If you are allergic to Erythrocin (erythromycin tablets); any part of Erythrocin (erythromycin tablets); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have any of these health problems: Long QTc on ECG or other heartbeat that is not normal, slow heartbeat, or low potassium or magnesium levels.
• If you take any drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) that must not be taken with Erythrocin (erythromycin tablets), like certain drugs that are used for mood problems, a heartbeat that is not normal, or migraine headaches. There are many drugs that must not be taken with Erythrocin (erythromycin tablets).

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Erythrocin (erythromycin tablets).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Erythrocin (erythromycin tablets) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Erythrocin?

For all patients taking Erythrocin (erythromycin tablets):

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Erythrocin (erythromycin tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have your blood work checked if you are on Erythrocin (erythromycin tablets) for a long time. Talk with your doctor.
• This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take Erythrocin (erythromycin tablets).
• Do not use longer than you have been told. A second infection may happen.
• If you are on a low-sodium or sodium-free diet, talk with your doctor. Some of these products have sodium.
• If you have myasthenia gravis, talk with your doctor. Call your doctor if your signs get worse. Signs of myasthenia gravis have also happened in people who do not have it. Call your doctor right away if you have new or worse muscle weakness, trouble chewing or swallowing, trouble breathing, droopy eyelids, or change in eyesight like blurred eyesight or seeing double.
• If you are 65 or older, use Erythrocin (erythromycin tablets) with care. You could have more side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

Newborns:

• A very bad stomach problem has happened in newborns taking Erythrocin (erythromycin tablets). Call the doctor right away if your child throws up or gets irritable with feeding.

How is this medicine (Erythrocin) best taken?

Use Erythrocin (erythromycin tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take with or without food, unless your doctor tells you to take it another way.
• Keep taking Erythrocin (erythromycin tablets) as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

Related/similar drugs

prednisone, amoxicillin, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, cephalexin, azithromycin, metronidazole, ceftriaxone, clindamycin, Augmentin

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
• Signs of a very bad skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis) like red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever); red or irritated eyes; or sores in the mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.
• Not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed.
• Very bad dizziness or passing out.
• A fast heartbeat.
• A very bad and sometimes deadly type of heartbeat that is not normal (long QT on ECG) has happened with Erythrocin (erythromycin tablets). Some other drugs taken along with Erythrocin (erythromycin tablets) may add to this effect. Get medical help right away if your heartbeat does not feel normal.
• Diarrhea is common with antibiotics. Rarely, a severe form called C diff–associated diarrhea (CDAD) may happen. Sometimes, this has led to a deadly bowel problem (colitis). CDAD may happen during or a few months after taking antibiotics. Call your doctor right away if you have stomach pain, cramps, or very loose, watery, or bloody stools. Check with your doctor before treating diarrhea.
• Hearing loss has rarely happened in people taking Erythrocin (erythromycin tablets). This most often goes back to normal. The chance may be higher if you have kidney problems or if you take high doses of Erythrocin (erythromycin tablets). Call your doctor right away if you have hearing problems like hearing loss.

What are some other side effects of Erythrocin?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Stomach pain or diarrhea.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Not hungry.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Erythrocin?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Erythrocin (erythromycin tablets), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Frequently asked questions

• What causes black hairy tongue?
• What are enteric-coated tablets?
• Can you take antibiotics while pregnant?

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer