Brand Names: E.E.S. Granules, E.E.S.-200, E.E.S.-400, E.E.S.-400 Filmtab, Eryc, EryPed, EryPed 200, EryPed 400, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin Stearate Filmtab, PCE Dispertab

Generic Name: erythromycin (Pronunciation: er ITH roe MYE sin)

• What is erythromycin (Eryc)?
• What are the possible side effects of erythromycin?
• What is the most important information I should know about erythromycin?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking erythromycin?
• How should I take erythromycin?
• What happens if I miss a dose?
• What happens if I overdose?
• What should I avoid while taking erythromycin?
• What other drugs will affect erythromycin?
• Where can I get more information?

What is erythromycin (Eryc)?

Erythromycin is in a group of drugs called macrolide antibiotics. Erythromycin fights bacteria in the body.

Erythromycin is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria.

Erythromycin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

EES-400

oblong, pink, imprinted with a EE

E-Mycin 250 mg

round, orange, imprinted with E-MYCIN 250mg

E-Mycin 333 mg

round, white, imprinted with E-MYCIN 333mg

Ery-Tab 250 mg

oblong, white, imprinted with EC, a

Ery-Tab 333 mg

oblong, white, imprinted with a EH, a

Ery-Tab 500 mg

oblong, pink, imprinted with a ED

Erythrocin 500 mg

oval, pink, imprinted with a, ET

Erythromycin Base 250 mg

oval, pink, imprinted with a EB

Erythromycin Base 500 mg

oval, pink, imprinted with a, EA

Erythromycin Ethylsuccinate 400 mg-ABB

oblong, pink, imprinted with 74 ZE

Erythromycin Ethylsuccinate 400 mg-MYL

oblong, peach, imprinted with M400

PCE 500 mg

oval, white, imprinted with a EK

What are the possible side effects of erythromycin?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats;
• nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• hearing problems;
• vomiting or fussiness after eating (in a child taking erythromycin); or
• severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain;
• dizziness, headache, feeling tired;
• vaginal itching or discharge; or
• mild itching or skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Eryc (erythromycin delayed-release) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about erythromycin?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to erythromycin, or if you are also using cisapride (Propulsid), dihydroergotamine (Migranal), ergotamine (Ergomar, Cafergot, Migergot), or pimozide (Orap). Erythromycin may interact with these medicines and could cause dangerous or life-threatening heart rhythm disorders.

Before you take erythromycin, tell your doctor if you have liver disease or myasthenia gravis.

Take this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Erythromycin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Erythromycin can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking erythromycin and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.