No information provided.

General

The use of antimicrobial agents may be associated with the overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms including fungi; in such a case, antibiotic administration should be stopped and appropriate measures taken.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Two year oral studies conducted in rats with erythromycin did not provide evidence of tumorigenicity. Mutagenicity studies have not been conducted. No evidence of impaired fertility that appeared related to erythromycin was reported in animal studies.

Pregnancy

Teratogenic effects -Pregnancy category B

Reproduction studies have been performed in rats, mice, and rabbits using erythromycin and its various salts and esters, at doses that were several multiples of the usual human dose. No evidence of harm to the fetus that appeared related to erythromycin was reported in these studies. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproductive studies are not always predictive of human response, the erythromycins should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Nursing Mothers

Caution should be exercised when erythromycin is administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use

See INDICATIONS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.

Last reviewed on RxList: 6/12/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.