Erythrocin 500mg Tablets
Out of date information, search another1. What Erythrocin Tablets are and what they are used for
2. Before you take Erythrocin
PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR THE USER ERYTHROCIN® 500mg TABLETS
(erythromycin)
The name of this product is Erythrocin 500mg Tablets but will be
referred to as Erythrocin Tablets throughout this leaflet
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this
medicine.
- Please keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- This medicine has been prescribed for you. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
- If any of the side effects becomes severe, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
In this leaflet:
1. What Erythrocin Tablets are and what they are used for
2. Before you take Erythrocin Tablets
3. How to take Erythrocin Tablets
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Erythrocin Tablets
6. Further information
The name of your medicine is Erythrocin Tablets.
Erythrocin contains the active ingredient erythromycin which belongs to a group of medicines called macrolide antibiotics. Erythrocin Tablets are used to prevent and treat infections such as:
• Throat and sinus infections
• Chest infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia
• Ear infections
• Mouth and dental infections
• Eye infections
• Skin and tissue infections, such as acne
• Stomach and intestinal infections
• Prevention of infection following burns, operations or dental procedures
• Other infections, such as sexually transmitted diseases, bone infections or scarlet fever
You should not receive Erythrocin Tablets if you:
• have been told that you are allergic to erythromycin or other macrolide antibiotics such as clarithromycin or azithromycin or any of the other ingredients in these tablets.
• are currently taking a medicine called
- are taking ergotamine or dihydroergotamine (used to treat migraines) while taking erythromycin as this may cause serious side effects.
- are taking terfenadine or astemizole (widely taken for hayfever and allergies), cisapride (for stomach disorders) or pimozide (for psychiatric conditions) while receiving erythromycin, as combining these drugs can sometimes cause serious disturbances in heart rhythm. Consult your doctor for advice on alternative medicines you can take instead.
• are taking colchicine (used for treatment of gout and arthritis) whilst taking erythromycin as this may cause serious side effects.
• have any liver problems or have been told that any drugs you are taking can cause liver problems
• have previously experienced diarrhoea following the use of antibiotics;
• are pregnant and have been told that you have a sexually transmitted disease called syphilis. In this case erythromycin may not be effective for preventing the transfer of this infection to your baby. Consult your doctor before receiving erythromycin. Alternatively if you were treated for early stages of syphilis during your pregnancy, and your child is under 1 year and is prescribed erthyromycin, consult your doctor before giving erythromycin to your child.
• are treating a young child with antibiotics and they are irritable or vomit when fed, you should contact your physician immediately.
• suffer from a condition called myasthenia gravis, which causes muscle weakness, consult your doctor before receiving erythromycin.
• are taking erythromycin with 'statins' such as simvastatin or lovastatin (used to lower cholesterol) as serious side effects can occur.
If any of these apply to you, or if you are not sure, tell your doctor. Taking other medicines
Please tell your doctor if you are taking, or have recently taken any other medicines, including any medicines obtained without a prescription.
This is especially important if you are taking medicines from the following families:
• astemizole, terfenadine or mizolastine (used to treat allergies such as hayfever);
• pimozide (used to treat mental problems);
• ergotamine or dihydroergotamine (used to relieve migraine);
• cisapride (used to treat stomach disorders);
• statins (used to help lower cholesterol levels e.g. lovastatin and simvastatin);
• protease inhibitors (used to treat viral infections e.g. saquinavir);
• oral contraceptives.
This is also important if you are taking medicines called:
• colchicine (used to treat gout and arthritis);
• cimetidine and omeprazole (used to treat acid reflux and other related conditions);
• clarithromycin, rifabutin, or rifampicin (medicines used to treat different types of bacterial infection);
• fluconazole, ketoconazole and itraconazole (medicines used to treat fungal infections);
• digoxin, quinidine or disopyramide (used to treat heart problems);
• cilostazol (a medicine used to treat peripheral circulation problems);
• hexobarbitone, phenobarbital or midazolam (used as sedatives);
• warfarin and acenocoumarol (used to help thin the blood);
• valproate, carbamazepine or phenytoin (used to control epilepsy);
• theophylline (used to treat asthma and other breathing problems);
• ciclosporin or tacrolimus (used following organ transplants);
• bromocriptine (used to treat Parkinson's disease);
• zopiclone or triazolam/alprazolam (used to help you sleep or relieve states of anxiety);
• alfentanil (a medicine used to provide pain relief);
• methylprednisolone (used to help suppress the body's immune system - this is useful in treating a wide range of conditions);
• St John's Wort (a herbal medicine used to treat depression);
• verapamil (used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain);
• vinblastine (used to treat certain types of cancer);
• sildenafil (used to treat erectile dysfunction).
If you or your child goes for any medical tests, tell your doctor that you are taking Erythrocin, as this may interfere with some test results.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Erythromycin should be used by women during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, or if you are breast-feeding, please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
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