Erythrocin Lactobionate

Erythromycin injection is a macrolide antibiotic used for the treatment of bacterial infections in many different parts of the body. Diphtheria, acute pelvic inflammatory disease, and Legionnaire's disease can also be prescribed treatment with this drug. This drug can be used as prophylaxis against occurrence of bacterial endocarditis and rheumatic fever in patients who are allergic to penicillin or sulfa drugs.

This drug kills bacteria by interfering with their protein synthesis. This drug is contraindicated to viral infections. This drug is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a healthcare professional.

Before using Erythrocin Lactobionate, the risks and benefits for your body should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications.

Studies in children have not reported any pediatric-specific problems that would limit the utility of erythromycin injection. Studies in the elderly have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the utility of erythromycin injection. Adjustments to the dose of elderly patients may be required since they are more likely to have erythromycin-induced hearing loss, heart rhythm problems, and bleeding problems, and age-related kidney, liver, or heart problems.

Studies have not reported any harmful effects to the fetus when taking this drug while studies in pregnant women or animals are still inadequate. This drug poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding. Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs such as:

• Azole antifungals
• Calcium channel blockers
• Anti-seizure drugs
• Quinupristin-dalfopristin
• Bromocriptine
• Colchicine
• Benzodiazepines
• Eletriptan
• Ergot
• Sildenafil
• Tadalafil
• Lovastatin
• Simvastatin
• Vinblastine
• Birthcontrol pills
• Patch or ring
• Rifampin
• or Rifabutin

Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco. Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems such as heart rhythm problems, myasthenia gravis, kidney or liver diseases.

In using Erythrocin Lactobionate, you must be careful and take some precautions as advised by your doctor.

A trained health professional will be the only one allowed to give you or your child this drug in a hospital. This drug is administered intravenously through a needle placed in one of your veins.

You may be switched to an oral drug that works the same way when your condition improves. Consult with your healthcare professional for any concerns.

In using Erythrocin Lactobionate, you must be careful and take some precautions as advised by your doctor.

Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of the drug. Seek medical attention immediately if you or your child's symptoms do not improve or if they become worse within a few weeks. This drug is contraindicated to astemizole (HismanalВ®) or terfenadine (SeldaneВ®).

Check with your healthcare professional immediately if you or your child have symptoms of liver problems such as pain or tenderness in the upper stomach, pale stools, dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea, unusual tiredness or weakness, or yellow eyes or skin.

Erythromycin may cause diarrhea which may occur 2 months or more after you stop using this drug. Check with your healthcare professional before taking any diarrhea drugs as this may make the diarrhea worse or make it last longer. This drug can cause QT prolongation which manifests as fainting, fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeats.

Inform your healthcare professional that you are taking this drug before you have any medical tests, as the results of some tests may be affected by this drug. Consult with your healthcare professional before taking any other prescription or non-prescription drugs, and herbal or vitamin supplements.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Erythrocin Lactobionate.

Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur. Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as:

• Blistering
• Peeling, or loosening of the skin
• Chills
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty with swallowing
• Dizziness
• Fast heartbeat
• Hives or welts
• Irritation at the injection site
• Itching
• Joint or muscle pain
• Puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• Red, irritated eyes
• Red skin lesions
• Often with a purple center redness of the skin
• Shortness of breath
• Skin rash
• Sore throat
• Sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
• Tightness in the chest
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Wheezing
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Fainting
• Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• Hearing loss
• Irregular heartbeat
• Recurrent irregular or slow heart rate

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

If any of the following side effects persists, or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.