delayed-release pill. Swallow the pill whole. The enteric-coated pill has a special
coating to protect your stomach. Breaking the pill could damage this coating. The delayed-release
pill is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking the pill would cause too
much of the drug to be released at one time.
The chewable tablet form of erythromycin must be chewed before swallowing.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure
you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked 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.
Take this medication for as many days as it has been prescribed for you even if you
begin to feel better. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated.
Erythromycin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
This medication can cause you to have 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. If it is almost time for your next dose,
skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this
medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, or hearing
loss.
What should I avoid while taking erythromycin?
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds).
Erythromycin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a
sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you
have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop
the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.
What are the possible side effects of erythromycin?
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:
Less serious side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
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