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Erythromycin Drug Center

Erythromycin Base Filmtab (erythromycin) is a member of the macrolide group of antibiotics enclosed within a unique film coating of a tablet that is for oral administration. Erythromycin Base Filmtab is available as a generic termed erythromycin base and stearate. Erythromycin Base Filmtab is used to treat people that are infected with organisms susceptible to erythromycin. Some of the diseases Erythromycin Base Filmtab treats are mild to moderate upper and lower respiratory tract infections, listeriosis, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), skin infections and many others. However, it is recommended that all organisms be proven susceptible to any antibiotic used, including Erythromycin Base Filmtab. The most common side effects of Erythromycin Base Filmtabs are gastrointestinal; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and anorexia.

Erythromycin Base Filmtab is available in two strengths, 250 and 500 mg tablets. The adult dose is one 250 mg tablet 4 times per day with a maximum dose of 4 grams per 24 hours while the 500 mg tablet is twice a day (total doses over 1 gram per day should be divided into 4 doses per 24 hours). Pediatric doses range from 30 to 50 mg/Kg/day (milligrams per Kilogram per 24 hours), but should not to exceed 4g per day. Patients are advised to take Erythromycin Base Filmtab tablets without food, at least ½ hour up to 2 hrs (the preferred time interval) before eating food. Individual dosage is determined by the prescribing doctor, usually based on likely susceptibilities of pathogens found in the community. Common side effects of Erythromycin Base Filmtab may progress to severe symptoms (see above); other severe side effects include pseudomembranous colitis, allergic reactions, QT prolongation, and life-threatening arrhythmias. Most, but not all, of these severe symptoms have been associated with the higher drug doses. Erythromycin Base Filmtabs can increase the toxicity of other drugs such as Lanoxin (digoxin) and theophylline or to increase the effects of many other drugs such as benzodiazepines and Viagra (sildenafil). Caution is advised by government agencies for use of this drug in pregnancy or in women breastfeeding infants, as there are no good studies in humans that indicate the drug is safe, although animal studies suggest it is safe to use in pregnant rats and that some drug is present in breast milk.

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