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Generic Name: Erythromycin
Brand Name(s):
Information updated: April 1, 2000
Overview
E-Mycin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is effective against a large
number of bacteria.
It helps fight infections in many places in the body
including the urinary, genital and digestive tracts, lungs, heart, ears, throat
and skin.
Side Effects and Interactions
The most frequent side effects of
erythromycin-type antibiotics involve digestive tract upset. Stomach pain and
cramping are not uncommon.
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and
diarrhea can be troublesome for some people.
Less common adverse
reactions include jaundice, pale stools, confusion, hairy tongue, itching of the
anus or vagina and hearing loss, especially in older people or individuals with
kidney problems. Report any symptoms to your physician promptly.
E-Mycin
can interact with several other medicines including the asthma drug theophylline,
the anti-seizure medication Tegretol,
the blood thinner Coumadin,
the sleeping pill Halcion and the migraine medicine ergotamine.
It
should not be taken by people who are also taking the antihistamines Seldane or
Hismanal, as it could lead to a dangerous build-up of these drugs in the body.
Check with your pharmacist and physician to make sure E-Mycin is safe in
combination with any other drugs you take.
Special Precautions
Because E-Mycin, like other erythromycins, is eliminated from the body by the liver, this drug should be used very cautiously, if at all, by people with liver problems.
Anyone with a history of allergy to erythromycin-type antibiotics should probably avoid E-Mycin.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include hives, rash and itching.
In rare instances allergy may trigger life-threatening anaphylactic shock.
Taking the Medicine
E-Mycin is an enteric-coated tablet and may be taken with or without food.
Doses are usually spaced evenly throughout the day. Check with your physician or pharmacist for specific instructions.
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio.
© 2000