Erythromycin (Erythromycin)
Overview of Erythromycin
Erythromycin is an intermediate spectrum macrolide antibiotic. It contains two deoxy sugars attached to a 14 atom macroyclic lactone ring. It was obtained in 1952 from Streptomyces erythreus. Erythromycin is effective against most gram positive and certain gram negative bacteria. Erythromycin is administered orally or topically. Antibiotics require constant drug level in body for therapeutic effect. This is achieved by taking the medication at regular interval of time throughout the day and night as prescribed. Erythromycin is important to take the drug for the full time period as prescribed. If you discontinue the therapy, it may result in ineffective treatment.
Indication of Erythromycin
Erythromycin is primarily indicated in conditions like Acne vulgaris, Alternative to penicillin in hypersensitive patients, Bacterial infections, Bone and joint infection, Breast cancer, Bronchitis, Endocarditis, Erythrasma, Eye infections, GI infections, Gonorrhoea, Heart failure, Lower respiratory tract infections, Lymphogranuloma venereum, Ophthalmia neonatorum, Otitis media, Pharyngitis, Pneumonia, Prophylaxis of bacterial endocarditis, Rosacea, Sexually transmitted infections, Sinusitis, Skin infections, Soft tissue infections, Supraventricular arrhythmias (particularly atrial fibrillation), Surgical prophylaxis, Syphilis, Upper respiratory tract infections, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Diphtheria, Early lyme disease.
Contraindication of Erythromycin
Erythromycin is contraindicated in conditions like Hepatic dysfunction,Hypersensitivity.
Side Effects of Erythromycin
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Erythromycin, which give rise to further complications include Tinnitus, Pseudomembranous colitis, Urticaria, Hepatitis, Pancreatitis, Stevens johnson syndrome, Jaundice, Jaundice, Stevens johnson syndrome, Eosinophilia, Thrombophlebitis, Eosinophilia, Interstitial nephritis, Psychosis, Porphyria.,Erythromycin produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Hepatotoxicity, QT prolongation, Severe skin reactions, Torsades de pointes. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Erythromycin therapy.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Erythromycin include Nausea, Severe vomiting, Diarrhea, Torsades de pointes, Hearing loss.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Erythromycin are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Dizziness, Anorexia, Fever, Skin reactions, Abdominal pain, Sweating, Maculopapular rash, Rashes, Pruritus, GI symptoms, Cramps, Elevation of liver enzymes, Hypersensitivity, Cholestasis, Reaction at injection site, dizziness.
Precautions of Erythromycin
Erythromycin should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy or lactation. It should be used with caution (if contains tartrazine) in patients with aspirin hypersensitivity, because it may cause allergic reactions (including bronchial asthma). It should be used with caution in patients with any allergy, especially to antibiotics. Take appropriate measures if secondary infection occurs.