Erythromycin Base Filmtab (erythromycin tablets, USP) is an antibacterial product
containing erythromycin, USP, in a unique, nonenteric film coating for oral
administration. Erythromycin Base Filmtab (erythromycin tablets) tablets are available in two strengths
containing either 250 mg or 500 mg of erythromycin base.
Erythromycin is produced by a strain of Saccharopolyspora erythraea
(formerly Streptomyces erythraeus) and belongs to the macrolide group
of antibiotics. It is basic and readily forms salts with acids. Erythromycin
is a white to off-white powder, slightly soluble in water, and soluble in alcohol,
chloroform, and ether. Erythromycin is known chemically as (3R*, 4S*, 5S*, 6R*,
7R*, 9R*, 11R*, 12R*, 13S*, 14R*)-4-[(2,6-dideoxy-3-C-methyl-3-O-methyl-α-L-ribo-hexopyranosyl)oxy]-14-ethyl-7,12,13-trihydroxy-3,5,7,9,11,13-hexamethyl-6-[[3,4,6-trideoxy-3-(dimethylamino)-β-D-xylo-hexopyranosyl]oxy]
oxacyclotetradecane- 2,10-dione. The molecular formula is C37H67NO13,
and the molecular weight is 733.94. The structural formula is:
Inactive Ingredients
Colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, crospovidone, D&C Red No. 30 Aluminum Lake, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, sodium citrate, sodium hydroxide, sorbic acid, sorbitan monooleate, talc, and titanium dioxide.
What are the precautions when taking erythromycin tablets (Erythromycin Base Filmtab)?
Before taking erythromycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other macrolide antibiotics (e.g., azithromycin, clarithromycin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, a certain type of muscle disease (myasthenia gravis).
Erythromycin may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can infrequently result in serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that require immediate medical...
Read All Potential Precautions of Erythromycin Base Filmtab »
Last reviewed on RxList: 9/10/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.