Erythromycin oral suspension

What is this medicine?

ERYTHROMYCIN (er ith roe MYE sin) is a macrolide antibiotic. It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think your are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

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

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• dark urine

• difficulty breathing

• hearing loss

• irregular heartbeat or chest pain

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• severe or watery diarrhea

• unusually weak or tired

• yellowing of eyes or skin

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

• diarrhea

• loss of appetite

• nausea, vomiting

• stomach pain

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• astemizole

• certain medicines for cholesterol like atorvastatin, cerivastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin

• certain medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole

• certain medicines for irregular heart beat like amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, dronedarone, flecainide, procainamide, propafenone, quinidine

• certain medicines for psychotic disturbances like mesoridazine, pimozide, thioridazine, ziprasidone

• chloroquine

• cisapride

• droperidol

• eplerenone

• ergot alkaloids like ergotamine and dihydroergotamine

• methadone

• other antibiotics like grepafloxacin or sparfloxacin

• sirolimus

• terfenadine

• vinblastine

• red yeast rice

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• alfentanil

• birth control

• bromocriptine

• carbamazepine

• certain medicines for anxiety or sleep

• certain medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin

• cyclosporine

• digoxin

• other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm)

• phenytoin

• theophylline

• valproate

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.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Follow the directions for storage that are provided by the pharmacist.

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

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

• diabetes

• liver disease

• myasthenia gravis

• an unusual or allergic reaction to erythromycin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.