E-Mycin

Erythromycin is available in many different dosage forms including cream, gel, tablet, and solution for injection into the veins.

Depending on the condition, doses of erythromycin tend to range from the following:

• 250 milligrams (mg) to 500 mg, every six to 12 hours
• 500 mg every 12 hours
• 333 mg every eight hours

When taking tablets, be sure to take the medication exactly as your doctor or pharmacist directed.

Be sure to finish the entire prescription - even if you start to feel better or your symptoms subside. Otherwise, the infection could come back and might be much more difficult to treat.

Erythromycin Overdose

If you suspect an overdose, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. You can get in touch with a poison control center at (800) 222-1222.

Missed Dose of Erythromycin

If you miss a dose of Erythromycin, try to take it as soon as you remember.

However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Don't double up to make up for a missed dose.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

The FDA categorizes medications based on safety for use during pregnancy. Five categories - A, B, C, D, and X, are used to classify the possible risks to an unborn baby when a medication is taken during pregnancy.

Erythromycin falls into category B.

There are no well-done studies that have been done in humans with erythromycin. In animal studies, pregnant animals were given this medication, and the babies did not show any medical issues related to this medication.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Erythromycin has been detected in human breast milk. Because of the possibility for adverse reactions in nursing infants from erythromycin, a choice should be made whether to stop nursing or to stop use of this medication. The importance of the drug to the mother should be considered.

Oral:

Take erythromycin exactly as prescribed.

This medication comes in capsule, tablet, long-acting capsule, long-acting tablet, chewable tablet, suspension, and pediatric drop forms for oral use. It is usually taken 3 to 4 times daily.

Do not chew, divide, or break the long-acting capsules and tablets. Swallow these whole and take with a full glass of water.

Topical:

This medication also comes in topical solution and gel forms and as an ophthalmic ointment.

Injectable:

This medication is available in an injectable form to be given directly into a vein (IV) by a healthcare professional.

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses of erythromycin at the same time.