Erythromycin
NHS information about the medicine erythromycin, including what it's used for, who can take it, how to take it and side effects.
What erythromycin is for
Erythromycin is mainly used to treat bacterial infections, including:
- chest infections
- dental abscesses
- sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
It's also sometimes used to treat skin conditions such as acne and rosacea.
How to take erythromycin
Erythromycin usually comes as tablets, capsules or a liquid you swallow (oral suspension).
How much you need to take and for how long depends on why you're taking it. Most people need to take it 2 to 4 times a day for a few days or weeks.
When taking erythromycin:
- try to take it at the same time each day and space your doses evenly throughout the day
- swallow tablets or capsules whole with a glass of water
- check the packet or leaflet to see if you need to take it before, or with, food
- use the syringe or cup that comes with the liquid medicine (oral suspension) to help you measure the right dose
Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.
Side effects of erythromycin
Like all medicines, erythromycin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
Common side effects of erythromycin include:
- feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting)
- diarrhoea
- not wanting to eat as much (loss of appetite)
- bloating and indigestion
Erythromycin should not affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery.
More about side effects
These are not all the side effects of erythromycin.
For a full list, see the leaflet that came with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.
You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website
Who can and cannot take erythromycin
Most adults and children can take erythromycin.
But erythromycin is not suitable for some people. For example, it may not be suitable if:
- you've had an allergic reaction or serious side effect from erythromycin
- you have liver or kidney problems
- you have myasthenia gravis
- you have a blood condition called porphyria
Before taking erythromycin, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.
Breastfeeding and erythromycin
Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding.
You can take erythromycin tablets, capsules and liquid while breastfeeding, but it's best to check because the medicine can pass into your breast milk.
Your doctor will discuss it with you and may advise you to continue taking erythromycin if the benefits to you outweigh the risks to your baby.
If you're using erythromycin lotion while breastfeeding, it’s unlikely that any will get into your breast milk. If you're using it on your chest, wash it off with warm water before feeding your baby.
It's rare for breastfed babies to get any side effects from medicines you're using but speak to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your baby.
Pregnancy and erythromycin
Tell your doctor if you're pregnant (or get pregnant) while taking erythromycin.
Erythromycin can be used during pregnancy if needed. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking it while you're pregnant.
Taking erythromycin with other medicines, food and drink
There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with erythromycin.
This includes:
- domperidone, to treat feeling and being sick (nausea and vomiting)
- anticoagulants like warfarin or rivaroxaban
- medicines for mental health problems called pimozide or amisulpride
- statin medicines, such as simvastatin and lovastatin
Do not use the herbal supplement St John's wort when taking erythromycin.
Before taking erythromycin, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
Food, drink and alcohol with erythromycin
You can eat as normal while taking erythromycin, but try to limit how much alcohol you drink.
Find out more about your medicine
To find out more about your medicine, you can:
- check the leaflet that comes with it
- search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
- check the information about erythromycin on the Medicines for Children website
- speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice – if you recently started taking it, you can get help with newly prescribed medicines from a pharmacist as part of the New Medicine Service
