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. The base, the
stearate salt, and the esters are poorly soluble in water. Erythromycin ethylsuccinate
is an ester of erythromycin suitable for oral administration. Erythromycin ethylsuccinate
is known chemically as erythromycin 2'-(ethylsuccinate). The molecular formula
is C43H75NO16 and the molecular weight is 862.06.
The structural formula is:
E.E.S. (erythromycin ethylsuccinate) Granules are intended for reconstitution with water. Each 5-mL teaspoonful
of reconstituted cherry-flavored suspension contains erythromycin ethylsuccinate
equivalent to 200 mg of erythromycin.
The pleasant tasting, fruit-flavored liquids are supplied ready for oral administration.
E.E.S. 200 Liquid (erythromycin ethylsuccinate) : Each 5-mL teaspoonful of fruit-flavored suspension contains
erythromycin ethylsuccinate equivalent to 200 mg of erythromycin.
E.E.S. (erythromycin ethylsuccinate) 400 Liquid: Each 5-mL teaspoonful of orange-flavored suspension contains
erythromycin ethylsuccinate equivalent to 400 mg of erythromycin.
Granules and ready-made suspensions are intended primarily for pediatric use
but can also be used in adults.
E.E.S. (erythromycin ethylsuccinate) 400® Filmtab® Tablets: Each tablet contains erythromycin ethylsuccinate
equivalent to 400 mg of erythromycin.
The Filmtab® tablets are intended primarily for adults or older children.
Inactive Ingredients
E.E.S. 200 Liquid (erythromycin ethylsuccinate) : FD&C Red No. 40, methylparaben, polysorbate 60, propylparaben,
sodium citrate, sucrose, water, xanthan gum and natural and artificial flavors.
E.E.S. (erythromycin ethylsuccinate) 400 Liquid: D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Yellow No. 6, methylparaben,
polysorbate 60, propylparaben, sodium citrate, sucrose, water, xanthan gum and
natural and artificial flavors.
E.E.S. (erythromycin ethylsuccinate) Granules: Citric acid, FD&C Red No. 3, magnesium aluminum silicate,
sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sodium citrate, sucrose and artificial flavor.
E.E.S. (erythromycin ethylsuccinate) 400 Filmtab Tablets: Cellulosic polymers, confectioner's sugar (contains
corn starch), corn starch, D&C Red No. 30, D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C
Red No. 40, magnesium stearate, polacrilin potassium, polyethylene glycol, propylene
glycol, sodium citrate, sorbic acid, and titanium dioxide.
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:
- chest pain, uneven heartbeats, feeling light-headed or fainting;
- nausea, stomach pain, low fever, lost appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
- diarrhea that is watery or bloody.
Less serious side effects may...
Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of E.E.S. »
What are the precautions when taking erythromycin ethylsuccinate (E.E.S.)?
Consult your...
Read All Potential Precautions of E.E.S. »
Last reviewed on RxList: 2/11/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.