Ilosone

Generic name: Erythromycin

Erythromycin tablets or capsules, plain or extended-release

What are erythromycin tablets or capsules, plain or extended-release?

ERYTHROMYCIN (E.E.S., Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, PCE, EryPed, Ilosone) is a macrolide antibiotic. Erythromycin kills certain bacteria or stops their growth. It treats many kinds of infection, including pneumonia (lung infections), skin infections, some sexually transmitted diseases, and Legionnaire's disease. Erythromycin also treats severe acne, and prevents heart problems in patients with rheumatic fever. There are erythromycin tablets, extended-release tablets, capsules and extended-release capsules. Some generic products are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• hearing problems
• heart disease
• liver disease
• stomach problems (especially colitis)
• other chronic illness
• an unusual or allergic reaction to erythromycin, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take erythromycin tablets or capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow enteric-coated or sustained-release tablets or capsules whole, do not crush or chew them. Swallow tablets or capsules with a full glass of water; take tablets or capsules in an upright or sitting position. Taking a sip of water first, before taking the tablets or capsules, may help you swallow them. If possible take bedtime doses at least 10 minutes before lying down. The type of tablet or capsule you are taking decides if you can take it with or without food. As a general rule take 1 or 2 hours before food, or at least 2 hours after food. You can ask your prescriber or health care professional if you can take your brand with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. There should be an interval of at least 4 to 6 hours between doses.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What drug(s) may interact with erythromycin?

• astemizole
• carbamazepine
• cisapride
• colchicine
• cyclosporine
• digoxin
• dihydroergotamine
• dofetilide
• doxercalciferol
• entacapone
• ergotamine
• certain medicines for anxiety or difficulty sleeping
• other antibiotics, like grepafloxacin or sparfloxacin
• oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
• paricalcitol
• pimozide
• 'statin' medicines for reducing cholesterol (atorvastatin, cerivastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin, and others)
• terfenadine
• theophylline
• warfarin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking erythromycin?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 2 to 3 days.

If you get severe or watery diarrhea, do not treat yourself. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking erythromycin.

What side effects may I notice from taking erythromycin?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• dark yellow or brown urine
• difficulty breathing
• hearing loss
• pain on swallowing
• ringing in the ears
• severe or watery diarrhea
• skin rash or itching
• swelling of face or neck
• yellowing of eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea,
• loss of appetite
• nausea, vomiting
• stomach pain