Erythromycin (Ery-Tab, E-Mycin, Eryc)

Category:

  • Antibiotic

Description:

  • Macrolide

Indications:

  • Upper respiratory tract infections (S. pyogenes, S. pneumoniae, H. inlfuenzae)

  • Lower respiratory tract infections (S. pyogenes, S. pneumoniae)

  • Respiratory tract infections (Mycoplasma pneumoniae)

  • Skin infections (S. aureus, S. pyogenes)

  • Pertussis (Bordetella pertussis)

  • Diphtheria (Corynebacterium diphtheriae)

  • Erythasma (C. minutissimum)

  • Intestinal amebiasis (Entamoeba histolytica)

  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (N. gonorrhoeae)

  • Conjunctivitis (Chlamydia trachomatis)

  • Uncomplicated urethral, endocervical or rectal infections (Chlamydia trachomatis)

  • Nongonococcal urethritis (Ureaplasma urealyticum)

  • Primary syphilis (Treponema pallidum)

  • Legionnaire’s disease (Legionella pneumonphila)

  • Rheumatic fever

  • Bacterial endocarditis

  • Listeria monocytogenes infections

  • Unlabled uses: Treponema pallidum, Campylobacter jejuni, Lymphogranuloma vernereum, Calymmatobacterium granulomatis, Haemophilus ducreyi (chanchroid)

Contraindications:

  • None

Precautions:

  • Pregnancy category B

  • Counsel patient to finish all medication to prevent development of resistance

  • Do not use with cisapride (ventricular arrythmias w/macrolides)

  • Optimal serum levels are achieved if taken in fasting state or immediately before meals (base and stearate formulations).  Ehtylsuccinate,estolate and enteric-coated erythromycin formulations may be administered without regard for meals.

  • Urine alkalinization (pH 8.5) increases gram-negative antibacterial activity.  If needed, administer with sodium bicarbonate or other alkalinizing agent

  • Dosages are expressed in the form of erythromycin base:

  • Erythromycin Ethylsuccinate 400mg = 250mg of erythromycin base

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

  • Hypersensitivity

  • Gastrointestinal: abdominal pain (7.5%), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (7.3%)

  • Headache (8.2%)

  • Decreased platelet count (4.8%)

  • Vaginitis

Dosage:

  • Administered orally (tablets)

  • Adult:

    • 250mg four times a day, 500mg twice a day or 333mg three times a day for 10-14 days

  • Legionnaire’s disease: 

    • 1-4 grams per day in four equal does for 10-14 days

  • Child:

    • 30-50mg/kg/day divided into four equal doses

Source: Operational Medicine 2001,  Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300  

Gynecology and Obstetrics CD-ROM
Volumes 1-6
2004 Edition
 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Copyright 2004
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