What is Erythromycin?
Erythromycin is an antibiotic that is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. It belongs to a class of antibiotics called macrolides and works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, which prevents bacteria from growing and multiplying. The antibiotic erythromycin can be used to treat respiratory tract, skin, and soft tissue infections, as well as some sexually transmitted infections. Erythromycin OTC should be used only as prescribed by a doctor, and it is very important to take the entire course of treatment as directed, even if the patient feels improvement and disappearance of symptoms.
Indications for Erythromycin
Erythromycin is an antibiotic that is used to treat a variety of infections caused by bacteria, including:
- Respiratory infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and sinusitis.
- Urinary system infections such as cystitis, pyelonephritis, and prostatitis.
- Skin infections, such as folliculitis, impetigo, and dermatitis.
- Sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea and chlamydia.
- ENT infections such as tonsillitis, otitis media, and pharyngitis.
- Gastrointestinal infections such as gastritis, stomach ulcers, and dysentery.
For any infectious disease, it is necessary to consult a physician and follow dosage recommendations and the length of time the drug should be taken.
Erythromycin: Dosage
Erythromycin tablets 500 mg is usually taken orally with plenty of water. The dosage and duration of treatment depend on the type of infection, its severity, the patient's age and health status, and other factors determined by the doctor.
It is usually recommended to take Erythromycin 500 mg tablets every 6 hours (four times a day), or as individually named by the doctor.
Mechanism of action of Erythromycin
The mechanism of action involves inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit of the bacterial ribosome.
By binding to this ribosomal subunit, erythromycin blocks tRNA translocation, which prevents the ribosome from attaching new amino acids to the growing polypeptide chain. This leads to the inhibition of bacterial protein synthesis and growth, which ultimately leads to the death of the bacteria.
Erythromycin 500 mg is effective against a number of Gram-positive and some Gram-negative bacteria, as well as some atypical pathogens such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia trachomatis.
Erythromycin vs. Azithromycin
Erythromycin and Azithromycin are antibiotics in the macrolide class. Although they have some similarities, there are also some important differences between them.
Name |
Erythromycin |
Azithromycin |
Indications |
Respiratory infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, and pharyngitis. Skin infections, such as boils, impetigo, and pyoderma. Urogenital infections such as urethritis, cystitis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. |
Rhinitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia. Infections of the urinary tract, such as cystitis and pyelonephritis. Skin and soft tissue infections such as impetigo and cellulitis. Chlamydia and mycoplasma infections, such as urethritis, and cervicitis. |
Directions for use |
Every 6 hours (4 times a day). |
For adults and children over 12 years of age, 500 mg once daily for 3-5 days. |
Half-life period |
From 2 to 6 hours. |
35-50 h |
Side Effects |
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia. Allergic reactions: urticaria, pruritus, angioedema. Changes in intestinal microflora: dysbacteriosis, colitis, superinfections. Renal disorders: increased blood creatinine level, oliguria. Hearing disorders: impaired hearing, tinnitus, dizziness. Cardiac disorders: prolongation of the QT interval, cardiac arrhythmias. |
Gastrointestinal disorders such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Dizziness, headache. Increased sensitivity to sunlight, rash, and itchy skin. Jaundice. Deterioration of hearing, tinnitus. |
One of the main differences between Erythromycin and Azithromycin is in their mechanism of action. Erythromycin acts by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, while Azithromycin acts by binding to the bacterial ribosome and preventing protein synthesis. This difference in mechanism of action means that Azithromycin is more effective against certain types of bacteria, such as those that cause respiratory tract infections.
Erythromycin 500 mg: dosage for adults
The recommended dose of Erythromycin antibiotic for adults for most infections is 250 to 500 mg every 6 hours or 500 to 1,000 mg every 12 hours. However, the exact dosage and duration of treatment may vary depending on the type and severity of the infection, as well as individual patient factors such as age, weight, and general health.
Allergy to Erythromycin
Some people may develop an allergy to Erythromycin, which can cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms of an allergy to Erythromycin may include:
- skin rash or hives;
- itching or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat;
- difficulty breathing or shortness of breath;
- pain or tightness in the chest;
- nausea or vomiting;
- diarrhea;
- dizziness or fainting.
If you have these symptoms, you should seek medical help immediately. Your doctor may stop taking the drug and prescribe an alternative treatment. It is also important to tell your doctor about any allergic reactions you may have before starting a new medication.
Erythromycin: Interactions
Erythromycin may interact with some other drugs:
- Increases the effect of anticoagulants, such as warfarin.
- Erythromycin may increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias when taken concomitantly with some other drugs such as astemizole, terfenadine, and digoxin.
- Erythromycin may inhibit the metabolism of some drugs metabolized by the liver, such as theophylline, carbamazepine, and valproic acid.
- Erythromycin may increase the concentration of some drugs that reduce gastric acidity, such as omeprazole and esomeprazole.
- Erythromycin may increase the effect of drugs that increase the concentration of potassium in the blood, such as spironolactone and amiloride.
Before you start taking Erythromycin tablets, tell your doctor about any drugs you are taking.
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