Erythromycin

Overview

Erythromycin is an intermediate spectrum macrolide antibiotic. It contains two deoxy sugars attached to a 14 atom macroyclic lactone ring. It was obtained in 1952 from Streptomyces erythreus. Erythromycin is effective against most gram positive and certain gram negative bacteria. Erythromycin is administered orally or topically. Antibiotics require constant drug level in body for therapeutic effect. This is achieved by taking the medication at regular interval of time throughout the day and night as prescribed. Erythromycin is important to take the drug for the full time period as prescribed. If you discontinue the therapy, it may result in ineffective treatment.

Categories

  • 6 Anti-infective drugs

Primary Characterstics

Indications

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Pharmacokinetics

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Contraindications

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Drug Interactions

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Side Effects

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Dosage

Erythromycin's dosage details are as follows:
Dose Single Dose Frequency Route Instructions

Adult Dosage

0.5 %0.5 (0.5)4 hourlyIV infOver 20 to 60 mins
1 to 2 g1.5 (1.5)4 hourlyPO4g maximum individed doses
250 to 500 mg380 (375)4 hourlyPOFor 7-14 days. (In patients with rheumailc Fever or Heart disease or those unable to take penicillin or sulfonamides)

Paedriatic Dosage (20kg)

18.75 mg/kg19 (18.75)4 hourlyOral

Neonatal Dosage (3kg)

7.812 to 15.625 mg/kg12 (11.7185)6 hourlyOral

High Risk Groups

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Warning / Precautions

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Storage Conditions

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Interference in Pathology

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Brands / Trade Names of Erythromycin

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