Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic and obtained from the bacteria Saccharopolyspora erythraea. Doctors use this versatile medication to curb bacterial infections throughout the body. The drug helps patients with respiratory tract infections, skin problems, diphtheria, intestinal amebiasis, pelvic inflammatory disease, Legionnaire's disease, pertussis, and syphilis. It also prevents rheumatic fever attacks from recurring in patients who don't respond well to penicillin or sulfa drugs. This article provides a complete overview of erythromycin — including its uses, correct dosage instructions, and side effects.

How Does Erythromycin Work?

Erythromycin acts as a bacteriostatic antibiotic that stops bacteria from growing instead of killing them outright. This medicine attaches to the 23S ribosomal RNA in the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome and prevents peptide chain formation. This targeted method works because human cells have 40S and 60S subunits rather than 50S subunits, which means the drug doesn't interfere with our own protein production.

Uses of Erythromycin

This versatile antibiotic helps fight bacterial infections throughout the body:

• Respiratory conditions: Pneumonia, bronchitis, Legionnaires' disease, and whooping cough

• Skin problems: Acne (especially with tretinoin cream or benzoyl peroxide) and bacterial skin infections

• Sexual health: Syphilis, chlamydia, and pelvic inflammatory disease

• Other uses: Ear infections, intestinal amebiasis, and prevents heart infections in dental procedure patients

How & When to Take Erythromycin

• Adults typically need 250mg to 1,000mg four times daily, while children get adjusted doses. Most forms work best with a full glass of water. 

• The medicine should be taken on an empty stomach as food reduces its absorption.  

• The doses should be spaced evenly throughout the day to work properly.

• Don't take it with milk products or antacids because they can make it harder for your body to absorb the medicine.

Side Effects of Erythromycin

Common side effects:

• Stomach pain

• Diarrhoea

• Nausea and vomiting

• Loss of appetite 

Serious reactions include:

• Severe diarrhoea

• Allergic responses

• Liver problem

• Heart rhythm changes

• Breathing difficulties

Can I Take Erythromycin Daily?

Doctors prescribe erythromycin for 7 to 21 days, depending on how bad the infection is and what type it is. You should complete the full prescribed course, even after feeling better, to eliminate the infection completely. Doctors don't usually recommend erythromycin for long-term or repeated use. Bacteria might become resistant to extended use. 

Precautions 

• Let your doctor know about any allergies to erythromycin or other medicines before treatment. 

• People with heart problems or a long QT interval should tell their doctor about the condition as this medicine can change the heart rhythm.

• Patients with liver problems need to check with doctors because of the drug's hepatotoxic potential.

• If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about the risks. Small amounts of erythromycin in breast milk usually don't harm infants. Still, watch breastfed babies for signs of irritability, diarrhoea, and thrush.

• Your body absorbs this medicine best when you avoid alcohol and take it on an empty stomach—one hour before or two hours after meals—with a full glass of water.

What If I Missed a Dose?

Remember to take the dose you missed when it comes to mind. But if it's almost time for your next scheduled dose skip it. Don't take a double dose to make up for the forgotten one. Setting alarms could help you stay on track.

What If I Overdose?

Stop taking the medication right away and get medical help. Call emergency services if severe symptoms develop. Overdose symptoms include:

• Severe diarrhoea

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Stomach cramps

• Confusion

• Irregular heartbeat

Caution With Other Drugs: Interactions

Erythromycin interacts with many drugs. Take precautions with:

• Anticoagulants such as warfarin

• Antihistamines like terfenadine, astemizole

• Cisapride

• Domperidone

• Migraine medications containing ergotamine

• Mental health medications like pimozide

• Statins like simvastatin or lovastatin

Dosage for Erythromycin

Adults typically take 250mg to 1,000mg four times daily. 

Your doctor might increase the dose up to 4 grams per day for severe infections. 

Children get 30-50mg per kilogram of body weight daily, split into equal doses.

Treatment length changes based on your condition—usually 10 days for streptococcal infections and 10-14 days for intestinal amebiasis. Make sure to finish all your medicine even if you feel better quickly.

Erythromycin vs Azithromycin 

Erythromycin and azithromycin are members of the macrolide antibiotic family that have distinct characteristics:

Feature	Erythromycin	Azithromycin
Used for	Treat wide range of bacterial infection	Treat wide range of bacterial infection
Common Side Effects	Nausea, upset stomach, diarrhoea	Diarrhoea, nausea, upset stomach
Half-Life	1.5-3 hours	68 hours
Drug Interactions	Interacts with a wide range of medicines	Interacts with many drugs
Interact	Food decreases the levels of erythromycin in your body. Take erythromycin on an empty stomach	Decreased absorption when taken with food
GI Side Effects Risk	Higher risk	Lower risk
Treatment Duration	Usually requires longer courses (7+ days)	Often effective with shorter courses (3-5 days)

Both medications remain powerful tools against respiratory infections, skin problems, and various bacterial conditions when doctors prescribe them appropriately.

FAQs

1. What is erythromycin used for?

This powerful antibiotic fights infections in many parts of your body:

• Respiratory problems including pneumonia, bronchitis, and whooping cough

• Skin conditions like acne 

• Sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis and chlamydia

• Ear, intestinal, and urinary tract infections

2. How does erythromycin work in the body?

The antibiotic prevents bacteria from multiplying without directly killing them. It blocks bacteria from making crucial proteins they need to grow and live. This stops the infection from getting worse and helps the body's defence system get rid of the bacteria.

3. What is the usual dosage of erythromycin for adults and children?

Adult doses - 250mg to 1,000mg taken four times daily

Children's doses - 30-50mg per kilogram of body weight daily, split into equal doses throughout the day. 

You should always follow your doctor's specific instructions.

4. Can erythromycin be used for respiratory and skin infections?

Yes! The antibiotic treats upper and lower respiratory infections effectively. Skin conditions like acne and rosacea might take several months to show improvement.

5. What are the common side effects of erythromycin?

Common complications are:

• Upset stomach and abdominal cramps

• Diarrhoea and vomiting

• Loss of appetite

6. Is erythromycin safe to use long-term?

Doctors advise against using erythromycin for extended periods. Bacteria might become resistant with prolonged use. Your doctor might suggest different antibiotics or alternating treatment schedules for chronic conditions that need ongoing therapy.

7. Can erythromycin interact with other medications?

This medicine interacts with many drugs and some of these interactions are serious. You should never take it with:

• HMG CoA reductase inhibitors like simvastatin

• Terfenadine, astemizole, or cisapride

• Migraine medications containing ergotamine

• Certain mental health medicines like pimozide

8. Is erythromycin safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Doctors consider erythromycin generally safe during pregnancy. Small amounts pass into breast milk when nursing. Parents should watch their breastfed babies for signs of irritability, drowsiness or stomach problems.

9. What precautions should you take before using erythromycin?

Inform your doctor about your complete medical history particularly any heart rhythm issues or liver disease. You should not take this medicine if you have had allergic reactions to macrolide antibiotics before.

10. How soon will erythromycin start working?

Most people see improvements within 24-72 hours. The medicine starts working faster (30-60 minutes) when used for digestive motility. Your recovery time depends on your infection type and how severe it is.