Indicated for: bacterial infections
Substance: erythromycin (macrolide antibiotic)
ATC: J01FA01 (Antiinfectives for systemic use | Macrolides, lincosamides and streptogramins)
Erythromycin is an antibiotic from the macrolide class, used to treat infections caused by susceptible bacteria. It works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, which stops the growth and multiplication of bacteria. It is effective against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Erythromycin is indicated for the treatment of respiratory infections (such as bronchitis, pneumonia), skin and soft tissue infections, ear infections, eye infections, and certain sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis or chlamydia. It can also be used as an alternative to penicillin for patients allergic to it.
The medication is available in the form of tablets, oral suspensions, injectable solutions, or topical ointments. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and, rarely, allergic reactions or liver disorders. It is important to take erythromycin as prescribed by a healthcare provider, and patients should avoid concurrent use with certain medications that may interact with it, such as statins or anticoagulants.