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
- 6.2 Antibiotics, systemic
- 6.2.2 Other anti-bacterial drugs
- 13 Dermatological drugs (topical)
- 13.2 Anti-infectives, topical
Primary Characterstics
Indications
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Pharmacokinetics
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Contraindications
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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 hourly | IV inf | Over 20 to 60 mins |
1 to 2 g | 1.5 (1.5) | 4 hourly | PO | 4g maximum individed doses |
250 to 500 mg | 380 (375) | 4 hourly | PO | For 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/kg | 19 (18.75) | 4 hourly | Oral | |
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
|
7.812 to 15.625 mg/kg | 12 (11.7185) | 6 hourly | Oral | |
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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