Erythromycin

Erythromycin (E.E.S 400 filmtab, Erythrocin, Eryc, Ery-tab) is an antibacterial closely resembles Penicillin and has been used as a substitute for penicillin in patients that have an allergic reaction to penicillin.  Erythromycin is effective against infections caused by gram-positive bacteria, e.g., Beta-hemolytic streptococci, Pneumo-cocci, and Staphylococci 

Dispense:

• adult doses range from 250-500 mg every 4 hours (maximum dose   4 grams)
  
• pediatric doses range from 14-23 mg/lb/day (4-6 hours intervals)

Erythromycin should be taken without food, at least 1/2 -2 hours before consuming food.

Active ingredient in E.E.S 400Filmtab® tablet contains Erythromycin ethyl succinate equivalent to Erythromycin 400 mg.

Inactive ingredients:  sugar, corn starch, dyes, Polacrilin potassium, Magnesium stearate, Polyethylene glycol, Propylene glycol, Sodium citrate, Sorbic acid, Titanium oxide

Side effects of Erythromycin:

1. Allergic reaction ranging from urticaria (hives) to anaphylaxis
2. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
3. Diarrhea
4. Abdominal pain
5. Anorexia (eating disorder, reduced appetite or total aversion of food)
6. Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)
7. Pancreatitis
8. Convulsion
9. Liver dysfunction
10. Pseudomembranous colitis (severe inflammation of the inner lining of the colon)
11. Ventricular arrhythmias and tachycardia (abnormal rapid heart rhythms)
12. Severe dizziness, fainting
13. Hearing problems
14. Severe skin reaction: skin rash, blistering and peeling
15. Fever
16. Sore throat
17. Swelling of face and tongue                      

Drugs interaction:

1. Erythromycin can increase the toxicity of other drugs, e.g., Lanoxin (Digoxin) and Theophylline 
2. Erythromycin can increase the effects of anticoagulant effect, Sildenafil (Viagra)
3. Erythrocin can alter the metabolism of non-sedating antihistamines Terfenadine and Astemizole
4. Erythromycin should not be taken with Cisapride, Pimozide, Astemizole or Terfenadine