erythromycin 343
erythromycin
(E.E.S, E-Mycin, Ery-max, Ethril,
Ilosone, Ilotycin)
Erythromycin is an antibiotic of the
macrolide family used to treat many
infections, including some STIs and skin
infections. It can be used safely during
pregnancy and is widely available.
Important: Erythromycin works best
when taken 1 hour before or 2 hours
after a meal. If this upsets your stomach
too much, take it with a little food.
Do not break up the tablets. Tablets are
often coated to prevent strong stomach
juices breaking down the medicine
before it can begin to work.
Side effects: May upset stomach, or
cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
Often comes in: Tablets or capsules
of 200, 250, or 500 mg; ointment 1%;
powder for solution of 125 mg per 5 ml
How to use:
For chlamydia, take 500 mg by mouth
4 times a day for 7 days.
For drug combinations to treat
vaginal discharge or PID, see page 162.
For chancroid, take 500 mg by mouth
4 times a day for 7 days.
For syphilis, take 500 mg by mouth
4 times a day for 14 to 21 days.
For breast infection, take 500 mg by
mouth 4 times a day for 7 days.
For pressure sores or other skin
infections, take 250 mg by mouth,
4 times a day for 7 to 10 days.
For eye infection (conjunctivitis), put a
little ointment inside the lower lid 3 to
4 times a day for 2 to 3 days.
For newborn eye care, put a little 1%
ointment in each eye within 2 hours of
birth.
erythromycin continued
Other medicines that may work:
For chlamydia: amoxicillin,
azithromycin, doxycycline, tetracycline
For chancroid: azithromycin,
ciprofloxacin
For syphilis: benzathine penicillin,
doxycycline, tetracycline
For breast infection: dicloxacillin
For skin infection: dicloxacillin,
doxycycline, penicillin, tetracycline
For baby eye care: tetracycline eye
ointment
WARNING: Do not take
erythromycin if you are allergic to
medicines in the macrolide family.
A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities 2007