Erythrocin Stearate Filmtab

Generic Name: erythromycin (er ITH roe MYE sin)
Brand Names: E.E.S. Granules, E.E.S.-200, E.E.S.-400, E.E.S.-400 Filmtab, Ery-Tab, Eryc, EryPed, EryPed 200, EryPed 400, Erythrocin Stearate Filmtab, PCE Dispertab

What is Erythrocin Stearate Filmtab (erythromycin)?

Erythromycin is in a group of drugs called macrolide antibiotics. Erythromycin fights bacteria in the body.

Erythromycin is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria.

Erythromycin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Erythrocin Stearate Filmtab (erythromycin)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to erythromycin, or if you are also using cisapride (Propulsid), dihydroergotamine (Migranal), ergotamine (Ergomar, Cafergot, Migergot), or pimozide (Orap). Erythromycin may interact with these medicines and could cause dangerous or life-threatening heart rhythm disorders.

Before you take erythromycin, tell your doctor if you have liver disease or myasthenia gravis.

Take this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Erythromycin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Erythromycin can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking erythromycin and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Erythrocin Stearate Filmtab (erythromycin)?

You should not not take erythromycin if you are allergic to it, or if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• cisapride (Propulsid);

• pimozide (Orap); or

• dihydroergotamine (Migranal) or ergotamine (Ergomar, Cafergot, Migergot).

To make sure you can safely take erythromycin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• liver disease; or

• myasthenia gravis.

FDA pregnancy category B. Erythromycin is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Erythromycin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Erythrocin Stearate Filmtab (erythromycin)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

You may take erythromycin with or without food.

Do not crush, chew, break, or open an enteric-coated or delayed-release pill. Swallow it whole. The enteric coated pill has a special coating to protect your stomach. Breaking the pill will damage this coating. Breaking or opening a delayed-release pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

The chewable tablet must be chewed before swallowing.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. Shake the oral suspension well just before you measure a dose.

Take this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Erythromycin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. This medication can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using erythromycin. Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, or hearing loss.

What should I avoid while taking Erythrocin Stearate Filmtab (erythromycin)?

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Erythromycin can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking erythromycin and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Erythrocin Stearate Filmtab (erythromycin) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats;

• nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

• hearing problems;

• vomiting or fussiness after eating (in a child taking erythromycin); or

• severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain;

• dizziness, headache, feeling tired;

• vaginal itching or discharge; or

• mild itching or skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Erythrocin Stearate Filmtab side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Erythrocin Stearate Filmtab (erythromycin)?

Many drugs can interact with erythromycin. Below is just a partial list. Tell your doctor if you are using:

• alfentanil (Alfenta);

• bromocriptine (Parlodel);

• cilostazol (Pletal);

• colchicine (Colcrys);

• cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Gengraf, Neoral);

• digoxin (Lanoxin);

• disopyramide (Norpace);

• methylprednisolone (Medrol);

• quinidine (Quin-G);

• sildenafil (Viagra);

• tacrolimus (Prograf);

• theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24, Theochron, Uniphyl);

• vinblastine (Velban);

• alprazolam (Xanax) or triazolam (Halcion);

• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);

• carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol), phenytoin (Dilantin), or valproic acid (Depakene, Stavzor);

• atorvastatin (Lipitor, Caduet), lovastatin (Mevacor, Altoprev, Advicor), or simvastatin (Zocor, Simcor, Vytorin);

• heart or blood pressure medicine such as amlodipine (Norvasc, Caduet, Exforge, Lotrel, Tekamlo, Tribenzor, Twynsta, Amturnide), diltiazem (Cartia, Cardizem), or verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan);

• any other antibiotics.

This list is not complete and there are many other drugs that can interact with erythromycin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about erythromycin.