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Erythromycin User Reviews & Ratings

Brand names: Erythrocin, E-Mycin, EryPed, Eryc, Erythrocin Lactobionate, Erythrocin Stearate Filmtab, PCE Dispertab, Wyamycin S, E.E.S. Granules, E.E.S.-200, E.E.S.-400, E.E.S.-400 Filmtab Erythrocot Ery-Tab …show all brand names

Erythromycin has an average rating of 6.3 out of 10 from a total of 64 reviews on Drugs.com. 43% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 32% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Erythromycin

  • ellie
  • May 10, 2020

For Dental Abscess "I took 250 mg of erythromycin for a tooth infection as I’m allergic to penicillin. side effects were pretty bad on the first few days couldn’t eat couldn’t get out of bed, diarrhoea, fast heart rate. But after my body got used to it, the pain went after a few days of taking it. Dental pain is the worst pain I’ve ever experienced.. I still can’t see my dentist because of this pandemic !!!"

8 / 10
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27 Report
  • Blodyn
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 29, 2017

For Dental Abscess "I’ve had an abscess since Sept 5th and it’s now October 29th. Dentist would not give me antibiotics till Oct 27th. I am allergic to penicillin so that’s why I have this antibiotic. I’ve been using it for around 36 hours now, 1 every 6 hours and I have had no side effects like others have had and for the first time since I got my abscess I am not in constant pain : ) my tooth is still sensitive but my glands have gone down and my jaw is not hurting anymore : )"

10 / 10
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30 Report
  • JCB
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 17, 2022

For Dental Abscess "After three courses of Amoxycillin over eight months which didn't fix the abscess (and nor did the root canal treatment), I asked my dentist to prescribe Erythromycin while waiting for the tooth to be extracted. Having experienced side effects from Erythromycin last time I had it 17 years ago, I steeled myself for them again. Day four of taking them and so far, all good. My usual IBS related diarrhea has actually reversed since taking these antibiotics and far from nausea, I'm permanently ravenously hungry. Sleeping better than I have in months and no dizziness or confusion so far. The best thing of all, for the first time in months I don't have excruciating pain from the tooth and jaw. So don't be put off by the negative reviews on here, not everyone experiences the problems with Erythromycin - mine are described as gastro-resistant, so maybe that's why they've been absolutely fine"

10 / 10
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11 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Nick
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 1, 2020

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "Not sure why acne isn't listed but yeah, my GP recently gave me erythromycin as doxy just made my skin worse and Lymecycline did nothing. I'm on 4 pills a day at 250mg and after 2 days my redness has basically gone and seeing improvement. The only bad thing is (cant say for sure its this drug) but I currently have a cold and hurts when I swallow anything. Never had a cold believe it or not in years and I feel dizzy at times and lack of energy also but to me its worth putting up with seeing as I have had mild acne for 7 years and wasted hundreds of pounds on useless treatments. As for clearing so far I have seen noticeable differences on my face. The spots are almost gone even and ones on my chest and back are fading. I will update you later on as everyone knows how antibiotics work..normally stop working half way through or acne comes back."

7 / 10
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17 Report
  • Anonymous
  • October 1, 2009

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "This drug worked miracles for my skin but the side effects are overwhelming. I constantly have an upset stomach and am always tired. I have to take this medicine right before bed so I can function throughout my day. Usually when I wake up I still fell some of the side effects like an upset stomach."

5 / 10
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38 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • Anonymous
  • November 20, 2008

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I was prescribed to take the medication for sinus, inner ear, and chest infection. It made me terribly sick, so I stopped taking it. I know you're not supposed to stop and start, but I did three times. The most recent was after a medic on the set told me to eat yogurt and the sickness would subside. He said it was something in the bioflavins that helped with the nausea. My entire body felt great once I stayed on the medication as prescribed. Take care!"

8 / 10
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40 Report
  • kikidi
  • June 30, 2012

For Dental Abscess "I was put on erythromycin for a tooth infection. It raised my blood pressure to 170/112. I stopped taking it when the course finished. I felt dizzy and out of sorts. My blood pressure is slowly decreasing now, but I still feel dizzy sometimes. "

1 / 10
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32 Report
  • Hele
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 1, 2021

For Dental Abscess "For tooth infection I was prescribed 2 erythromycin x 250mg pill 4 x per day for 7 days. Altogether 56 pills. Now after 1 day, I didn’t sleep all night because of stomach cramps, diarrhea, almost vomited 3 times and I feel very very sick. My tooth pain is better but I never felt like this. There are definitely better option for people allergic to penicillin as I know that I took some antibiotics before and felt normal. I will see in few hours if situation is any better as I am due to take another dose. Might go with 50%"

2 / 10
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11 Report
  • annon...
  • January 4, 2014

For Dental Abscess "I'm currently taking it now as I'm allergic to penicillin. I'm on my 3rd day. I've been getting really painful stomach cramps, hot sweats and very loose stools. It's making me feel really ill. And it hasn't made my mouth feel any better at all. I'm going to give it one more day then I'm going to stop taking it because it's obviously not for me."

2 / 10
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28 Report
  • Little...
  • November 15, 2009

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I was prescribed this medication as I have a chest infection. I had a really bad cough for around 3 weeks, after 2 days of taking this my cough was so much better. EXCEPT that around the same time my cough signifigantly improved, I felt so nauseous."

9 / 10
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36 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 21, 2019

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I've taken Erythromycin (for acne) for close to 70-80 days now, and I have to say I have had no side effects, and my skin hasn't had more than one spot in 4 months ( I can't see Erythromycin listed for Acne here but it works!) , or maybe it helps that I also got myself out of a stressful work environment too, but but the Erythromycin definitely works."

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15 Report
  • Iga
  • October 14, 2020

For Dental Abscess "Treated with erythromycin for dental abscess and toothache that I suffered for a while. I couldn't sleep for first 1 night. Abnormal heart rate and nausea so I reduced the dosage and I felt a lot better but taken a bit longer to complete. I am all good now, haven't had any dental issues since then (Nov 2019)"

10 / 10
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10 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 8, 2012

For Otitis Media "I'm taking this due to ear and sinus infection and swollen lymph nodes. I'm allergic to penicillin, so doctor gave me these. Seems to be working on infection, but slowly. I have to take 500mg 2xs a day. It gives me terrible stomach cramps and pain, but after I eat, the pain goes away. I'm just very lazy, tired and my brain is cloudy. Don't feel myself. Not sure if its due to my illness or the medicine. Drinks a lot of water. Hope you feel better!"

7 / 10
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24 Report
  • Jude
  • March 26, 2016

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "This antibiotic is the best, hands down. The Z pack doesn't even come close to this. I take this when I get really bad sinus infections that go into my chest and I start feeling better within a couple days. I specifically ask my doctor for this when I get sick because it's the one that really works."

10 / 10
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17 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 27, 2015

For Dental Abscess "This medicine gave me extreme upper abdominal pain and vomiting and I felt so unwell I couldn't sleep! My infection was slightly better after 3 days but I had to stop taking this medicine as it was making me too unwell! Stay away from this medicine and find an alternative!"

1 / 10
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16 Report
  • Mommo
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • March 11, 2020

For Campylobacter Gastroenteritis "My son has been on this for almost 3 years now to help his gastroparesis and decreased intestinal transit time, it is a pretty common drug for this condition and works great! No side effects for him, He does have to take drug holidays and adjust the dose a couple times a year but this is a very helpful med!"

10 / 10
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9 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 4, 2012

For Bronchitis "I've been taking it for two days since I am allergic to penicillins. I guess I feel better with the bronchitis but I have bad leg cramps and my stomach stays upset and have had horrible diarrhea. Side effects might not be worth it."

6 / 10
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20 Report
  • Big...
  • October 16, 2009

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I have been diagnosed with COPD and IBS and Acid Reflux unfortunately, and I also had developed a chest infection on Monday. My Doctor prescribed ERYTHROMYCIN 200 mg TABLETS. This is Friday and I feel a lot lot better. Thank you very much for this discovery."

10 / 10
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23 Report
  • Shander
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 31, 2020

For Dental Abscess "As someone else said, it takes a while to beat the infection and, as a result, takes a bit longer to reduce swelling and pain but after roughly 2.5 days. It looks like things are getting much better. I was taking 200 mg of ibuprofen every 6 hours for the pain/swelling but this next one might be my last one. So hang in there and do NOT stop taking the course (usually 7-10 days). You risk promoting resistant bacterial growth. I have had minor stomach issues due to it (diarrhea one day) but always made sure I took it after a meal to reduce these side effects. I’d much rather have a day or two of mild diarrhea than intense tooth pain."

8 / 10
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7 Report
  • Jessica...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 16, 2022

For Strep Throat "I was prescribed erythromycin for a nasty case of strep throat, and as I am allergic to penicillin. I was worried about potential side effects as I am yet to have a good experience with antibiotics, however I was pleasantly surprised to not experience any side effects! It cleared up my strep throat very very quickly and I had a really great experience with it. I’m happy to know that it works well for me and I don’t experience any side effects. I hope that it works well for others too."

10 / 10
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3 Report
  • Annie
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 1, 2020

For Dental Abscess "Started taking erythromycin for dental abscess after previously having Amoxicillin six weeks prior... day one stomach cramps, sickness, vomiting this continued for at least two days. I am now on day 4 and still feeling ill, stomach pain has subsided but feeling dizzy and generally unwell. I will finish course and never take again ... dental pain is improved but not at end of course yet do we’ll see!"

4 / 10
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6 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 20, 2020

For Dental Abscess "I’m allergic to penicillin so was prescribed erythromycin for tooth infection. On day 2.5. Still have the pain however I must say it did make me feel awful With the side effects the first 2 days! Nausea, cramps etc but I now find on day 3 my body is getting used to it so will finish the course and hope it clears up my toothache which is excruciating!!!"

5 / 10
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6 Report
  • Em1ly99
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 4, 2019

For Strep Throat "I was given erythromycin for both tonsillitis and urinary tract infection as I am allergic to penicillin. I was fine after the first 6-8 hours, however when I went to bed I suffered with severed stomach pains, and severe vomiting and nausea. I continued to take it however it was becoming too severe so I discontinued and went back to ADOC (doctor on call). I do not recommend this medication it is truly horrible on the stomach."

1 / 10
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7 Report
  • Lukec...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 4, 2017

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I was prescribed this drug after a chest infection had returned an the initial antibiotics had not 100% worked. Within a day I had gotten a lot worse, and began passing out and ended up in hospital for 6 hours. They informed me that this drug was not always reliable and they had a woman in the ward for 6 weeks due to her taking these for 3 days. Reluctantly I came off this drug and went back onto a longer dosage of my initial antibiotics. Needless to say I got a lot better quickly, and the infection had disappeared within a week."

1 / 10
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9 Report
  • Bano
  • August 30, 2020

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "Used to take these erythromycin for year when I was 15 for acne and had no side effects. Now is a different story. Got an ingrown hair that had got infected. For four days I have had being sick, explosive diarrhea and agonizing stomach cramps coupled with no appetite. I had to take x 2 250mg tablets 4 times a day. I have been in bed for days as I'm wiped out. Phoned a walk in centre and they told me to stop taking them immediately. Never again."

2 / 10
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5 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.