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| Pronunciation |
|
 (er
ith roe MYE sin,
) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Akne-Mycin®; A/T/S®;
E.E.S.®; Emgel®; Eryc®; Erycette®;
Eryderm®; Erygel®; EryPed®; Ery-Tab®;
Erythra-Derm™; Erythrocin®; PCE®; Romycin®;
Staticin®; Theramycin Z®; T-Stat® |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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Antibiotic, Macrolide |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
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|
If you have an allergy to erythromycin or any other part of this
medicine.
Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
If you have liver disease.
If you are taking any of these medicines: Astemizole, cisapride,
pimozide, or terfenadine. |
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|
| What is this medicine used
for? |
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|
This medicine is used to treat a variety of bacterial
infections. |
|
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| How does it work? |
|
|
Erythromycin works to injure the bacteria and fight the
infection. |
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| How is it best taken? |
|
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Oral:
To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.
Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes
an upset stomach.
Chew or crush the chewable tablet well. Mix crushed tablet with food.
Do not swallow whole.
A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake
well before use. Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the
feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
Eye:
For the eye only.
Take out contact lenses before using medicine. Lenses can be replaced
15 minutes after medicine is given. Do not put contacts back in if eyes are
irritated or infected.
Do not touch the container tip to the eye, lid, or other skin.
Place medicine inside the lower lid. Close the eye for 1-2 minutes.
Roll eyeball around.
Separate each eye medicine by 10 minutes. |
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|
| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
|
|
Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and
return to your regular schedule.
Do not take a double dose or extra doses. |
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| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix
well with other medicines.
Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding. |
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| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
Oral:
Belly pain.
Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care,
sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
Diarrhea. Yogurt, Bifidobacterium bifidum
, or Lactobacillus acidophilus
may help. These products are available at health food stores or in some
pharmacies.
Eye:
Eye irritation. |
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| What should I monitor? |
|
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Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the
same? |
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
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If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center
immediately or dial 911.
Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest
tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Severe nausea or vomiting.
Severe diarrhea.
Sudden change in vision, eye pain or irritation.
Any rash.
No improvement in condition or feeling
worse. |
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
|
Store at room temperature.
Protect capsules and tablets from moisture. Do not store in a
bathroom or kitchen.
Store liquid (suspension) at room temperature. Throw away any unused
portion after 10 days. |
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| General statements |
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Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products,
supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare
provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter, natural products, or
vitamins. |
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Copyright © 1978-2001 Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved
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