Indicated for: bacterial infections
Route of administration: cutaneous
Substance: erythromycin (macrolide antibiotic)
ATC: D10AF02 (Dermatologicals | Anti-acne preparations for topical use | Antiinfectives for treatment of acne)
Dose adjustment may be needed in kidney disease.
Risk of severe allergic reaction. Seek urgent medical help if serious symptoms occur.
Seek medical advice if severe or persistent diarrhea occurs.
This medicine may have important interactions with other medicines.
This medicine may increase the risk of heart rhythm disturbances.
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.