Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic and its action is mainly bacteriostatic. In other words, erythromycin acts by blocking the growth of bacteria. However, it kills them only at high concentrations. In particular, macrolides act by interfering with protein synthesis in bacteria.
Erythromycin is active against and it can be used to treat microbes such as Streptococcus pyogenes, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Haemophilus influenzae, Legionella pneumophila, Staphylococcus aureus, Chlamydia trachomatis, Listeria monocytogenes, Treponema pallidum, Campylobacter jejuni, Cryptosporidium spp, Bacillus anthracis, and Leptospira.
What is Erythromycin?
Erythromycin is used to treat infections of bacteria sensitive to its action. For example, it is shown to be effective against some forms of pneumonia and other respiratory infections, in case of otitis media, legionellosis, infection of the urogenital tract, enteritis, diarrhea, anthrax and leptospirosis.
In addition, this antibiotic may be used in case of severe acne, conjunctivitis or corneal infections, some forms of endocarditis, pertussis, erythrasma, sepsis diphtheroid, lymphogranuloma venereum, venereal ulcer, non-gonococcal urethritis resistant to doxycycline or azithromycin as an adjunct in the treatment of Corynebacterium diphteria and, in pregnant women, against the genital infection Chlamydia. Moreover, erythromycin can sometimes be used instead of penicillin in people allergic to these antibiotics.
How should Erythromycin be taken?
Erythromycin can be taken orally (on an empty stomach) or intravenously. There are also products that contain the antibiotic, such as those used in the case of acne, designed for topical use. Since erythromycin is an antibiotic it should only be taken under medical indication. The dosage depends on the age of the patient and individual needs.
Side effects associated with Erythromycin
The most common adverse effects associated with the use of erythromycin affect the digestive system and may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Anorexia
Furthermore, other side effects may include cardiovascular problems (such as QT prolongation and ventricular tachycardia), nightmares, and skin irritations.
Potential dermatological problems, such as:
- Heartburn
- Dryness
- Desquamation
- Itching
- Erythema
Other possible side effects may include:
- Agranulocytosis
- Cholestatic hepatitis
- An increase in alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin and transaminases
- Tinnitus and other temporary hearing problems
- Serum sickness
- Myasthenic syndrome
- Super-infections caused by resistant microorganisms or following repeated and prolonged treatment
- Pseudomembranous colitis
- Hypersensitivity and hypothermia in children
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Erythromycin
Taking erythromycin is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity and in cases of:
- Allergic diseases
- Liver failure
- Jaundice
- Severe liver disease
- Biliary obstruction
- Porphyria
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
This antibiotic can also interact with other medications, including:
- Ergot alkaloids
- Alfentanil
- Alprazolam
- Astemizole, cisapride, pimozide and terfenadine
- Atorvastatin
- Bromocriptine
- Buspirone
- Calcium channel blockers
- Carbamazepine
- Cerivastatin
- Quinidine
- Cyclosporine
- Cimetidine
- Chloramphenicol and lincosamides
- Clozapine
- Colchicine
- Oral contraceptives
- Digoxin
- Disopyramide
- Felodipine
- Phenytoin
- Fexofenadine
- Guarana
- Lovastatin
- Methylprednisolone
- Midazolam and triazolam
- Penicillin
- Repaglinide
- Sildenafil
- Simvastatin
- Tacrolimus
- Theophylline
- Valproate
- Verapamil
- Vinblastine
- Warfarin
- Zopiclone
