Erythrom Eth 200mg/5ml Susp 200ml

Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by reversibly binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible microorganisms. This binding prevents the translocation of peptidyl tRNA, thereby inhibiting polypeptide synthesis.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Immediately

Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention right away:

Signs of an allergic reaction: 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: dark urine, tiredness, decreased appetite, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, vomiting, or yellow skin or eyes.
Signs of a severe skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis): red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), red or irritated eyes, or sores in the mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.
Urination problems: inability to pass urine or changes in urine output.
Severe dizziness or fainting.
Rapid heartbeat.
Abnormal heartbeat (long QT on ECG), which can be life-threatening. This risk may increase when taking other medications with this drug. Seek medical help immediately if you experience an irregular heartbeat.
Diarrhea, especially if it is severe, bloody, or watery (C. diff-associated diarrhea, or CDAD), which can lead to life-threatening bowel problems. CDAD can occur during or after antibiotic treatment. Contact your doctor if you experience stomach pain, cramps, or severe diarrhea.
Hearing loss, which is rare but may be more likely if you have kidney problems or take high doses of this medication. If you experience hearing problems, such as hearing loss, contact your doctor immediately.

Common and Less Severe Side Effects

Most people taking this medication do not experience severe side effects, and some may not have any side effects at all. However, if you experience any of the following side effects and they bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor:

Diarrhea, stomach pain, upset stomach, vomiting, or decreased appetite.

Reporting Side Effects

This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction and its symptoms.
Certain health conditions, including:
+ Abnormal heart rhythms, such as a prolonged QTc interval on an electrocardiogram (ECG)
+ Other irregular heartbeats
+ Slow heartbeat
+ Low potassium or magnesium levels

Additionally, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including:

Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs
Natural products
* Vitamins

This is crucial because some medications, such as those used to treat mood disorders, irregular heartbeats, or migraine headaches, may interact with this medication and should not be taken together.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all potential interactions. To ensure your safety, it is vital to discuss all your medications and health conditions with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help you determine whether it is safe to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions.

Remember, do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.

Important Warnings and Precautions for Patients Taking This Medication

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.

If you are taking this medication long-term, your doctor may recommend regular blood tests to monitor your condition. Be sure to discuss this with your doctor.

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests. Therefore, it is crucial to notify all your healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that you are taking this medication.

Do not take this medication for a longer period than prescribed by your doctor, as this may increase the risk of a second infection.

If you are following a low-sodium or sodium-free diet, consult your doctor before taking this medication, as some products may contain sodium.

If you have myasthenia gravis, discuss your condition with your doctor before taking this medication. Monitor your symptoms closely, and contact your doctor immediately if they worsen. Additionally, be aware that myasthenia gravis symptoms, such as new or worsening muscle weakness, difficulty chewing or swallowing, breathing problems, droopy eyelids, or changes in vision (e.g., blurred vision or double vision), can occur in people without a history of the condition. Seek medical attention right away if you experience any of these symptoms.

If you are 65 years or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks of taking this medication to both you and your baby.

Special Considerations for Newborns

In newborns taking this medication, a severe stomach problem can occur. If your child vomits or becomes irritable during feeding, contact your doctor immediately.

• Astemizole
• Cisapride
• Pimozide
• Terfenadine
• Ergotamine
• Dihydroergotamine
• Colchicine (in renal/hepatic impairment)

• Statins (e.g., Simvastatin, Lovastatin, Atorvastatin) - increased risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis
• Warfarin - increased INR/bleeding risk
• Carbamazepine - increased carbamazepine levels/toxicity
• Cyclosporine - increased cyclosporine levels/nephrotoxicity
• Theophylline - increased theophylline levels/toxicity
• Digoxin - increased digoxin levels
• QT-prolonging drugs (e.g., Class IA and III antiarrhythmics, Fluoroquinolones, Antipsychotics) - increased risk of Torsades de Pointes
• Calcium channel blockers (e.g., Verapamil, Diltiazem, Amlodipine) - increased CCB levels/hypotension
• Oral contraceptives - decreased efficacy (rare, but reported)
• Sildenafil and other PDE5 inhibitors - increased levels/toxicity
• Triazolam, Midazolam - increased sedation
• Quetiapine - increased quetiapine levels/toxicity

• Phenytoin - altered phenytoin levels
• Valproic acid - altered valproic acid levels
• Corticosteroids (e.g., Methylprednisolone) - increased corticosteroid levels
• Tacrolimus - increased tacrolimus levels
• Zidovudine - decreased zidovudine levels
• Clindamycin, Lincomycin - antagonism (do not co-administer)
• Chloramphenicol - antagonism (do not co-administer)

• Antacids (aluminum/magnesium hydroxide) - may decrease absorption of erythromycin base (separate administration by 2 hours)

• Diarrhea (especially severe or bloody, indicative of C. difficile infection)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain/cramping
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes)
• Dark urine
• Pale stools
• Unusual fatigue/weakness
• Hearing loss
• Tinnitus (ringing in ears)
• Vertigo (dizziness)
• Chest pain
• Palpitations
• Fainting/dizziness (signs of QT prolongation)
• Rash
• Itching
• Swelling of face/lips/tongue (allergic reaction)

Erythromycin is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy when indicated. It is often used as an alternative for penicillin-allergic pregnant women. However, some studies have suggested a possible, though small, increased risk of cardiovascular malformations or infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) in offspring when used in early pregnancy, but data are conflicting and overall risk is considered low.

Erythromycin is excreted into breast milk in small amounts. It is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding (Lactation Risk Category L2). Monitor breastfed infant for gastrointestinal disturbances (e.g., diarrhea, candidiasis) and, rarely, infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS).

Use with caution in neonates and young infants due to the risk of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS), especially when administered during the first 2 weeks of life. Monitor for signs of IHPS (e.g., projectile vomiting, abdominal mass). Dosing is weight-based. Ototoxicity can occur, especially with high doses or in renal impairment.

No specific dose adjustment is generally needed based on age alone, but elderly patients may be more susceptible to QT prolongation and hearing loss, especially with higher doses or pre-existing renal/hepatic impairment. Monitor for drug interactions and adverse effects.

• Erythromycin is a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor, leading to numerous significant drug interactions. Always review concomitant medications.
• GI upset (nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps) is a very common side effect, often dose-related. Taking with food may help, but check specific formulation instructions.
• Risk of QT prolongation and Torsades de Pointes, especially with pre-existing cardiac conditions, electrolyte imbalances, or concomitant QT-prolonging drugs.
• Can cause reversible hearing loss, particularly with high doses or in patients with renal or hepatic impairment.
• Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) is a rare but serious risk in neonates and young infants, especially if exposed in the first 2 weeks of life (either directly or via breast milk).
• Erythromycin is effective against atypical pathogens like Mycoplasma, Chlamydia, and Legionella.
• Not effective against MRSA or most Gram-negative bacteria (except some specific ones like Bordetella pertussis).

• Azithromycin (another macrolide, longer half-life, less frequent dosing, fewer CYP interactions)
• Clarithromycin (another macrolide, similar spectrum, more CYP interactions than azithromycin)
• Doxycycline (tetracycline, for atypical pathogens, some STIs)
• Amoxicillin (penicillin, for susceptible bacterial infections)
• Cephalexin (cephalosporin, for susceptible bacterial infections)
• Levofloxacin (fluoroquinolone, for susceptible bacterial infections, but with different side effect profile and resistance concerns)

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.