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): E.E.S., EryPed, Ilosone

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

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

• Diabetes
• Liver disease
• Myasthenia gravis
• 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?

Take this medication by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed. Take all of your medication as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medication early. Do not stop taking except on your care team's advice.

Talk to your care team regarding the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

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, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take 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.

Follow the directions for storage that are provided by the pharmacist.

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.