Erimit

Uses

What is erimit (erythromycin) used for?

Erimit is commonly used for treating infections caused by certain bacteria. It is also used to prevent attacks of rheumatic fever. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic. It works by killing or slowing the growth of sensitive bacteria.

How should I take erimit (erythromycin)?

Use erythromycin as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Take erythromycin by mouth on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.

Erythromycin works best if it is taken at the same time(s) each day.

To clear up your infection completely, take erythromycin for the full course of treatment. Keep taking it even if you feel better in a few days.

Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you use erythromycin.

How do I store erimit (erythromycin)?

Erimit is best stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store erimit in the bathroom or the freezer. There may be different brands of erimit that may have different storage needs. It is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.

You should not flush erimit down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. It is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before using erimit (erythromycin)?

Before using this drug, tell your doctor if:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because, while you are expecting or feeding a baby, you should only take medicines on the recommendation of a doctor.
• You are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.
• You have allergy with any of active or inactive ingredients of erimit or other medications.
• You have any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions.
• You have a very slow heartbeat or a certain type of irregular heartbeat (QT prolongation, long QT syndrome).
• You have low blood potassium or magnesium levels.

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

There isn’t enough information about the safety of using this medication during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking this medication.

Side effects

What side effects can occur from erimit (erythromycin)?

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Loss of appetite
• Mild diarrhea
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue)
• Bloody stools
• Change in the amount of urine produced
• Decreased hearing or hearing loss
• Irregular heartbeat
• Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin
• Seizures
• Severe diarrhea
• Severe stomach pain
• Stomach cramps
• Symptoms of liver problems (e.g.., yellowing of the skin or eyes; pale stools; severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite; dark urine)

Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about a side-effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions

What drugs may interact with erimit (erythromycin)?

Erimit may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects. To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. For your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any drugs without your doctor’s approval.

Products that may interact with this drug, such as:

• Antiarrhythmics (eg, amiodarone, dofetilide, dronedarone, procainamide, propafenone, quinidine, sotalol)
• Asenapine
• Astemizole
• Cisapride
• Diltiazem
• Eletriptan
• An ergot alkaloid (e.g., dihydroergotamine, ergotamine)
• An HIV protease inhibitor (e.g., ritonavir)
• Certain imidazole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole)
• Nilotinib
• Pimozide
• A streptogramin (eg, quinupristin/dalfopristin)
• Terfenadine
• Tetrabenazine
• Tolvaptan
• Verapamil

Does food or alcohol interact with erimit (erythromycin)?

Erimit may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.

What health conditions may interact with erimit (erythromycin)?

Erimit may interact with your health condition. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. It is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have.

Health conditions which may interact with this drug are:

• Diarrhea
• A history of kidney or liver disease
• Heart problems
• A fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• Low blood potassium or magnesium levels
• Myasthenia gravis
• The blood disease porphyria

Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. You should ALWAYS consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using erimit (erythromycin).

What is the dose of erimit (erythromycin) for an adult?

Dose Range

Usual dosage range is 250-500 mg PO q6-12hr or 500 mg q12hr or 333 mg PO q8hr.

Severe infections: up to 4 g/day.

Legionnaires Disease:

The recommended dose is 1-4 g/day PO in divided doses for 21 days.

Nongonococcal Urethritis:

The recommended dose is 500 mg PO q6hr for 7 days.

Bowel Preparation:

The recommended dose is 1 g PO at 1:00, 2:00, and 11:00 PM on day before surgery in combination with PO neomycin and mechanical cleansing of large intestine.

Lymphogranuloma Venereum:

The recommended dose is 500 mg PO q6hr for 21 days.

Pertussis: 

The recommended dose is 500 mg PO q6hr for 14 days.

What is the dose of erimit (erythromycin) for a child?

Dose Range:

Mild to moderate infection: 30-50 mg/kg/day PO divided q6-12hr; not to exceed 2 g/day

Severe infection: 15-50 mg/kg/day PO; not to exceed 4 g/day.

Chalmydial Infection:

The recommended dose is 50 mg/kg/day PO divided q6hr for 14 days.

Pertussis:

The recommended dose is 40-50 mg/kg/day PO divided q6hr for 14 days; not to exceed 2 g/day.

Streptococcal Pharyngitis, Tonsillitis:

The recommended dose is 20 mg/kg/day PO divided q12hr.

Bowel Preparation:

The recommended dose is 20 mg/kg PO at 1:00, 2:00, and 11:00 PM on day before surgery in combination with PO neomycin and mechanical cleansing of large intestine.

How is erimit (erythromycin) available?

Erimit is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:

• 250mg tablet
• 125mg/5ml syrup bottle 60ml

What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to your nearest emergency room.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of erimit, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.