ERYTHROMYCIN (PCE)

Drug Uses
Erythromycin is used for treatment of infections caused by certain bacteria. It is also used to prevent bacterial endocarditis and attacks of rheumatic fever. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken
Use Erythromycin as directed by your doctor. To avoid stomach upset take Erythromycin with a meal. Swallow Erythromycin whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you use Erythromycin. Erythromycin works best if taken at the same times each day. To clear up your infection completely, take Erythromycin for the full course of treatment. Keep taking it even if you feel better in a few days.

Warnings/Precautions
Before taking Erythromycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances, if you are allergic to any ingredient in Erythromycin, if you have diarrhea or a stomach or intestinal infection, if you have a history of kidney or liver disease, heart problems, fast or irregular heartbeat, myasthenia gravis, or the blood disorder porphyria, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast–feeding. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Erythromycin while you are pregnant. Erythromycin is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast–feeding while you use Erythromycin, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby. Some medicines may interact with Erythromycin. Therefore tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement that you are taking. Contact your doctor right away if stomach pain or cramps, severe diarrhea, or bloody stools occur. Erythromycin only works against bacteria, it does not treat viral infections (eg, the common cold). Long–term or repeated use of Erythromycin may cause a second infection. Tell your doctor if signs of a second infection occur. Lab tests, including liver function, kidney function, and complete blood cell counts, may be performed while you use Erythromycin. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

Missed Dose
If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. However if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the Missed Dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Possible Side Effects
Some of the Possible Side Effects are- Diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting. Contact your doctor if any of these or other side effects occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately- allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), bloody stools, hearing changes, irregular heartbeat, red, swollen, or blistered skin, severe diarrhea, severe stomach pain or cramps, yellowing of skin or eyes.

Storage
Store Erythromycin below 86 °F (30 °C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Erythromycin out of the reach of children.

Overdose
If overdose is suspected seek medical attention immediately.

More Information
If your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen, contact your doctor. Erythromycin should be used only by the patient for whom it has been prescribed. Do not take less or more or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Disclaimer
This is only general information, it does not cover all directions, drug integrations or precautions. You should not rely on it for any purpose, it does not contain any specific instructions for a particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information. We`re not responsible for any damage.