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Erythromycin
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Erythromycin

Generic name: erythromycin (oral/injection) [ er-ITH-roe-MYE-sin ]
Brand names: E.E.S. Granules, E.E.S.-200, E.E.S.-400 Filmtab, EryPed 200, EryPed 400, ... show all 8 brands
Drug class:Macrolides

Medically reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD. Last updated on Apr 1, 2021.

What is erythromycin?

Erythromycin belongs to a group of drugs called macrolide antibiotics. Macrolide antibiotics slow the growth of, or sometimes kill, sensitive bacteria by reducing the production of important proteins needed by the bacteria to survive.

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

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

Warnings

Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with erythromycin. Your doctor may need to change your treatment plan if you use cisapride, pimozide, ergotamine, or dihydroergotamine.

Before you take erythromycin, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, myasthenia gravis, a heart rhythm disorder, a history of Long QT syndrome, or low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood.

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.

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-d