Erythromycin is an antibiotic used to treat many kinds of infections. Erythromycin is also prescribed to prevent rheumatic fever in people who are allergic to penicillin and sulfa drugs. More...

How should you take Erythromycin?

Some forms of erythromycin are most effective when taken on an empty stomach. Your doctor may advise you to take each dose at least 1/2 hour and preferably 2 hours before meals. Delayed release formulations may be taken with or without food. If the drug upsets your stomach, taking it with meals may help. Ask your doctor whether this is advisable for you. Chewable forms of erythromycin should be crushed or chewed before being swallowed.

Delayed-release brands and tablets and capsules that are coated to slow their breakdown should be swallowed whole. Do not crush or break. If you are not sure about the form of erythromycin you are taking, ask your pharmacist. More...

If you have ever had liver disease, consult your doctor before taking Erythromycin. If a new infection (called superinfection) develops, talk to your doctor. You may need to be treated with a different antibiotic.

Erythromycin may cause a severe form of intestinal inflammation. If you develop diarrhea, contact your doctor immediately. If you have myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness), it can be aggravated by erythromycin. More...

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