Indications
Eryc is a prescription antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It contains an active ingredient called Erythromycin. Erythromycin belongs to the macrolide antibiotic class of medications. Erythromycin works by binding to the bacteria's ribosomes and preventing the production of proteins, which are essential for the bacteria's survival and reproduction. As a result, the bacteria become unable to multiply and die out.
Use erythromycin and other antibiotics only to treat or prevent infections caused by bacteria, and not viruses, as antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections. Eryc should also be used only under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional, as it may interact with other medications or cause side effects in some patients.
Use and Dosage
Eryc is available in capsule form and contains enteric-coated pellets of erythromycin base for oral administration. For maximum absorption, take Eryc on an empty stomach. However, if nausea occurs, you may take it with food or milk. Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.
The dosage and duration of treatment will be determined by your medical condition and response to treatment, and in children, it is also based on their age and weight. To ensure optimal effectiveness, take Eryc at evenly spaced intervals and at the same time each day. If Eryc is being used to treat an infection, continue taking the medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms improve before the treatment is complete.
Stopping the medication too soon may result in a recurrence of the infection. If you are taking Eryc to prevent bacterial infections, make sure to follow your doctor's instructions and not discontinue the medication without approval from your doctor.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Eryc (Erythromycin base):
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose
- Liver problems
- Severe stomach pain
Serious Side Effects of Eryc (Erythromycin base):
- Burning eyes
- Clay-colored stools
- Dark urine
- Diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose)
- Difficulty breathing
- Easy bruising
- Fainting
- Fast or pounding heartbeats
- Fever
- Headache with chest pain and severe dizziness
- Hearing problems
- Hives
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling
- Seizures
- Severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back
- Severe stomach pain
- Skin pain
- Sore throat
- Stomach pain (upper right side)
- Swelling of your face lips tongue or throat
- Tiredness
- Unusual bleeding
- Vomiting
- Vomiting or irritable with feeding (in a baby)
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Forms and Strength
Eryc (Erythromycin base) is available in the following forms and strength:
Eryc: EC (Enteric Coated) Capsule
- 333 mg
Cautions
- Eryc may interact with other medications or supplements, including blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and medications used to treat heart rhythm problems.
- Eryc should be used with caution in patients with liver or kidney disease, as the medication may be metabolized or excreted differently in these patients.
- Eryc may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, and may also cause hearing loss or other serious side effects in some patients.
- Patients with a history of allergies or hypersensitivity to erythromycin or other antibiotics should not use Eryc.
- Eryc should not be used to treat viral infections such as the common cold or flu, as antibiotics are ineffective against these types of infections.
- Eryc may increase the risk of developing Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, a serious infection that can occur with antibiotic use.
- Eryc may affect the effectiveness of hormonal birth control methods such as the pill, patch, or ring, and may increase the risk of pregnancy in some women.
- Eryc may cause a skin rash or other allergic reactions in some patients and may also interact with medications used to treat allergies or asthma.
- Eryc should not be used in pregnant or breastfeeding women unless specifically recommended by a healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I stop taking erythromycin if I start to feel better?
No, keep taking erythromycin for as long as your provider told you to do so, even if you start to feel better. If you stop too early or skip doses, your infection can become even harder to treat.
How many days should I take erythromycin?
The length of time you take erythromycin depends on the type of infection you have and how severe it is. Most infections can be treated in 7 days, but other infections might take 3 weeks or more to be completely cleared up.
How long does Eryc take to work?
Eryc typically starts to work within a few days of beginning treatment. However, continue taking the medication for the full course of treatment, as prescribed by your doctor, even if symptoms improve.
How should Eryc be stored?
Eryc should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the medication out of the reach of children and to properly dispose of any unused medication according to local regulations.
Resources
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/050536s021lbl.pdf
- https://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/eryc
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-11150/eryc-oral/details
- https://www.rxlist.com/eryc-drug.htm
- https://www.goodrx.com/ery-tab/what-is
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/erythromycin-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20075495?p=1
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