Eritromicina

Acerca de la eritromicina

What is erythromycin used for?

Erythromycin is a type of antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, such as chest infections, urine infections, skin infections, and mouth infections.

It is also prescribed for some longer-term skin conditions such as acne and rosacea.

Erythromycin works by killing the germs (bacteria) causing the infection.

La eritromicina también está disponible como ingrediente en algunas preparaciones cutáneas utilizadas para tratar el acné - para más información al respecto, consulte el prospecto separado del medicamento titulado Eritromicina (con zinc) solución cutánea para el acné .

It can be taken by adults and children.

Side effects of erythromycin

Common side effects of erythromycin are:

• Me siento mal.

• Estar enfermo.

• Tummy discomfort.

• Diarrea.

A full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

Side effects of erythromycin usually last a few days, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

How to manage erythromycin side effects

Who should not take erythromycin?

Some medicines may not be safe for certain conditions or may need extra care. Before taking erythromycin, make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• Si está embarazada o en periodo de lactancia.

• Si tiene algún problema hepático o renal.

• Si sabe que tiene un ritmo cardiaco inusual o padece cualquier otro problema cardiaco o vascular.

• Si le han dicho que tiene niveles bajos de potasio o magnesio en sangre.

• Si padece un trastorno muscular llamado miastenia gravis.

• Si padece un raro trastorno sanguíneo hereditario llamado porfiria.

• Si está tomando otros medicamentos. Esto incluye cualquier medicamento que esté tomando y que pueda adquirirse sin receta, así como medicamentos a base de plantas y complementarios.

• Si alguna vez ha tenido una reacción alérgica a un medicamento.

Cómo tomar eritromicina

• Read the leaflet in the pack before starting erythromycin. It explains how to take it and lists possible side effects.

• Take erythromycin exactly as your doctor tells you to and always check the label for the correct dose.

  • It is usually four times daily, although one or two doses daily may be sufficient for some conditions.

• Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you the right dose, which is also on the pack label. Take the doses evenly throughout the day.

• Swallow tablets whole, with a drink of water. Do not chew them. You may take erythromycin before or after food.

• Cuando se receta eritromicina a un niño, la dosis depende de su peso. Lea atentamente la etiqueta para dosificar la cantidad correcta.

• Keep taking erythromycin until the course is finished, even if you feel better, unless your doctor says otherwise.

• Short-term infections usually take 5–14 days, while chronic conditions like prostatitis, acne, or rosacea may require several weeks or months of treatment.

• Si sigue sintiéndose mal después de terminar el tratamiento, pida otra cita con su médico para que le aconseje.

• Si olvida tomar una dosis, tómela en cuanto se acuerde. Intente tomar el número correcto de dosis cada día, pero no tome dos dosis al mismo tiempo para compensar la que olvidó.

Aproveche al máximo su tratamiento

• Check with a pharmacist before taking other medicines with erythromycin. Some antacids may not be safe - tell your doctor if you use them.

• Thrush (oral or vaginal) can happen after antibiotics - see your doctor or pharmacist if it occurs.

• If you take the oral contraceptive pill, extra contraception isn’t usually needed unless you have sickness or diarrhoea.

• Tell your doctor if you’re having any vaccinations, especially the oral typhoid vaccine, as erythromycin may stop it from working.

Cómo conservar la eritromicina

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y de la vista de los niños.

• Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.

• Si te han dado un medicamento líquido, te lo habrán preparado en la farmacia y sólo dura un número limitado de días. Compruebe la fecha de caducidad del envase y no lo utilice después de esa fecha. Guárdalo en el frigorífico.

Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos

Preguntas más frecuentes

How long does it take for erythromycin to work?

Erythromycin usually starts to improve symptoms within 2-3 days for most infections. Full recovery can take 1-2 weeks, depending on the type and severity of the infection.

Is erythromycin a penicillin?

No, erythromycin is not a penicillin. It is a macrolide antibiotic, which works differently and is often used as an alternative for people allergic to penicillin.

Is it safe to take erythromycin during pregnancy?

Erythromycin is generally considered safe during pregnancy when prescribed by a doctor. Your healthcare provider will choose the appropriate form and dose to treat the infection effectively.

Can you drink alcohol with erythromycin?

It’s best to avoid alcohol while taking erythromycin, as it can increase the risk of side effects like stomach upset or dizziness. Alcohol doesn’t stop the antibiotic from working, but limiting intake helps you feel better.

Can you take paracetamol with erythromycin?

Yes, paracetamol can be safely taken with erythromycin. There are no known interactions, so it can help relieve pain or fever while you’re on the antibiotic.