Erythra-Derm

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.

General:

The use of antibiotic agents may be associated with the overgrowth of antibiotic-resistant organisms. If this occurs, administration of this drug should be discontinued and appropriate measures taken.

Information for Patients:

Erythromycin Topical Solution is for external use only and should be kept away from the eyes, nose, mouth and other mucous membranes. Concomitant topical acne therapy should be used with caution because a cumulative irritant effect may occur, especially with the use of peeling, desquamating or abrasive agents.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility:

Long term animal studies to evaluate carcinogenic potential, mutagenicity, or the effect on fertility of erythromycin have not been conducted.

Pregnancy:

Pregnancy Category C. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with erythromycin. It is also not known whether erythromycin can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproductive capacity. Erythromycin should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Nursing Mothers:

Erythromycin is excreted in breast milk. Caution must be exercised when erythromycin is administered to a nursing woman.