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Erythromycin E.C. (erythromycin) is a macrolide antibiotic, used in a wide range of bacterial infections. The E.C. in its name stands for enteric coating, which allows the medication to pass through the highly-acidic stomach to the small intestine, where it is absorbed. Erythromycin is also available in an oral solution for young patients or those who have difficulty swallowing tablets; in these instances it will not have the E.C. label and may not work as well.

This medication is usually used when penicillin is either not available or not suitable, such as when the patient is allergic to it. There are, however, some notable exceptions; in certain gastrointestinal infections, for instance, Erythromycin E.C. is the preferred solution.

Who Should Use Erythromycin E.C.

This medication can be used as both a preventative measure and an assault on established bacteria. It can be used in any age group, including infants, children, and the elderly. Most patients tolerate the medication well, though it is not quite as broadly-effective as penicillin.

Erythromycin E.C. is used to treat:

• Gastrointestinal infections such as cholecystitis or pelvic inflammatory disease;
• 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;
• Oral infections such as gingivitis.

Treatment with Erythromycin E.C. typically lasts 1 to 3 weeks, with 2 weeks being the most common. Treatment should continue for several days past the point at which the infection seems to be gone; this will help prevent resistant bacteria. Patients usually feel much better just days after starting treatment.

Treatment Overview

Patients should, ideally, have the offending bacteria identified by a doctor prior to purchasing Erythromycin E.C. or any antibiotic. Failure to properly identify the bacteria can result in a significantly worse infection and resistant bacteria.

Dosage & duration of treatment should also be determined by a doctor, who can take into account the numerous personal variables inherent in the condition, including age, weight, other medications being taken, and so forth. That said, in otherwise healthy adults, treatment is typically:

• 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.

In most cases the above will take care of most infections, though rarely a doctor will recommend a higher dose for more serious infections. Total dosage should not exceed 4 grams per day.

Important Precautions

Though rare, some individuals will have an allergic reaction to Erythromycin E.C., symptoms of which include rapid heartbeat, swelling of face or throat, itching, and hives. This warrants emergency medical attention.

More commonly patients experience much milder side effects, including:

• Abdominal cramping
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

The above can often be alleviated by taking the medication with food.

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

• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Tinnitus
• Loss of hearing
• Jaundice
• Seizures
• Severe stomach pain

The above are usually reversible, including hearing loss, once Erythromycin E.C. is no longer being taken.

Erythromycin E.C. is known to interact with a wide range of other medications, though the interaction isn't always harmful. Check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing treatments while taking this product.