What is this medication?

ERYTHROMYCIN (er ith roe MYE sin) treats infections caused by bacteria. It belongs to a group of medications called antibiotics. It will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by viruses.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Erythrocin, Erythrocin Lactobionate

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Liver disease
• Myasthenia gravis
• Taking terfenadine or astemizole
• An unusual or allergic reaction to erythromycin, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for injection into a vein. It is usually given in a hospital or clinic.

If you get this medication at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medication. Use exactly as directed. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.

Talk to your care team regarding the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Astemizole
• Certain medications for cholesterol like atorvastatin, cerivastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin
• Certain medications for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole
• Certain medications for irregular heart beat like amiodarone, disopyramide, dronedarone, flecainide, procainamide, propafenone, quinidine
• Certain medications for psychotic disturbances like mesoridazine, pimozide, thioridazine
• Chloroquine
• Cisapride
• Droperidol
• Eplerenone
• Ergot alkaloids like ergotamine and dihydroergotamine
• Methadone
• Other antibiotics like grepafloxacin or sparfloxacin
• Red yeast rice
• Sirolimus
• Terfenadine
• Vinblastine

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Alfentanil
• Birth control
• Bromocriptine
• Carbamazepine
• Certain medications for anxiety or sleep
• Certain medications that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin
• Cyclosporine
• Digoxin
• Dofetilide
• Other medications that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm)
• Phenytoin
• Theophylline
• Valproate
• Ziprasidone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Tell your care team if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your care team if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• Severe diarrhea, fever
• Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Heartburn
• Nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

If you are using this medication at home, you will be instructed on how to store this medication. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date on the label.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.