Erythromycin EC is an enteric-coated macrolide antibiotic useful in treating a wide range of bacterial infections in the skin, eyes, mouth, respiratory system, gastrointestinal system, and so on.

The enteric coating on this product allows it to pass through the highly-acidic stomach to the small intestine, where it is ultimately absorbed. Erythromycin is available without the enteric coating, such as in an oral solution for very young patients or those who have difficulty swallowing tablets, but it may not work as well.

Erythromycin EC can be used in any age group provided patients are able to swallow whole tablets or capsules. Young children, the elderly, and patients with other major medical conditions may require modified doses and increased monitoring for developing side effects.

In most cases Erythromycin EC is used when penicillin is unavailable or can't be used. There are some exceptions, however, when Erythromycin EC is the preferred treatment, such as in severe burns or preventing rheumatic fever. A broader look at conditions it treats includes:

• Lower respiratory tract infections such as diphtheria, pneumonia, or whooping cough;
• Upper respiratory tract infections such as sinusitis, tonsillitis, or laryngitis;
• Sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis or chlamydia;
• Skin infections such as abscesses, acne, or cellulitis;
• Eye infections such as blepharitis;
• Gastrointestinal infections such as cholecystitis or pelvic inflammatory disease;
• Oral infections such as gingivitis;
• Preventative treatment for post-surgical infections, severe burns, and rheumatic fever.

Ideally patients will have a doctor identify the offending bacteria and oversee treatment. While effective against a large variety of bacteria, Erythromycin EC is not effective against all types and delaying an effective treatment can significantly worsen the infection.

Treatment Overview

Erythromycin EC can be used as both a preventive measure and against established bacteria. Most patients tolerate the medication well, though it is not quite as broadly-effective as penicillin.

Dosage & duration of treatment will ideally be determined by a doctor, who can take into account the numerous personal variables as well as the type of infection and its severity. That said, treatment in otherwise healthy adults usually consists of:

• 250 mg should be taken 4 times per day, spaced evenly apart.
• Alternatively, 500 mg may be taken twice a day.
• Food is optional but may reduce stomach-related side effects.
• Treatment may last 1 to 3 weeks, with 2 weeks being most common.

Though rare, dosage may be raised in severe infections as long as 4 g (4000 mg) per day is not exceeded. Those who are very young or very elderly should speak with a doctor about dosage levels, as these patients may be more prone to side effects at higher doses.

As a general rule antibiotic treatment should continue for several days after all symptoms of infection have disappeared to ensure all traces of bacteria are destroyed. Ending treatment early may not only lead to a resurgence of the infection, but may also contribute to resistant bacteria.

Potential Complications

Most patients tolerate Erythromycin EC well, with no or only mild side effects. Most commonly reported are:

• Abdominal cramping
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

The above are not cause for concern unless severe enough to be disruptive. They can often be alleviated by taking the medication with food.

Occasionally more severe side effects are encountered, which warrant medical attention:

• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Persistent tinnitus
• Loss of hearing
• Jaundice
• Seizures
• Severe stomach pain

The above are usually reversible, including hearing loss, when treatment with Erythromycin EC ends.

Erythromycin EC can interact with a wide range of other medications. While interactions may not be directly harmful, the effectiveness of one or more of the medications may be significantly reduced, which can lead to further complications. Double-check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing treatments while taking Erythromycin EC.