Manufacturer:
Apotex Inc.

Generic Name:
erythromycin

Route:
oral

Why is it prescribed?

Apo-Erythro EC® capsules contains erythromycin.

Erythromycin is used to treat many infections caused by susceptible bacteria. This material will be limited to the treatment of infections of the respiratory tract (e.g. pneumonia, tonsilitis) and the middle ear.

Side Effects

Apo-Erythro EC® capsules contains erythromycin.

Along with its needed effects, erythromycin may cause some unwanted or undesirable effects. Generally, erythromycin is well tolerated and many people will not experience unwanted effects. The frequency and severity of these effects is dependant on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible unwanted effects include:

• diarrhea
• nausea
• vomiting
• appetite loss
• stomach cramps

• rash
• itching
• hives
• eczema

• difficult breathing
• hearing loss (reversible)
• yellow discoloration of skin or eyes
• irregular or slow heartbeat

Precautions and Warnings for Apo-Erythro EC® capsules

Apo-Erythro EC® capsules contains erythromycin

Allergic reactions can occur with erythromycin use. People with a history of allergy, asthma, hay fever or hives seem to be more susceptible to these reactions. The reaction can be immediate and severe. Allergic symptoms include wheezing, hives, itching, swelling, joint and muscle pain, difficulty breathing, fever and skin rashes. Nausea and vomiting are not symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Taking the antibiotic repeatedly or for prolonged periods may result in bacterial or fungal overgrowth which can lead to a second infection. When this occurs, the erythromycin may need to be stopped and another antibiotic prescribed to treat the new infection.
Diarrhea often develops while taking erythromycin. This is sometimes caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut that are not killed by the antibiotic. In severe cases, this may be life threatening and would require treatment with other antibiotics. In mild cases, symptoms disappear shortly after the drug is discontinued.
Drug Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist of any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking. In some cases the dose of one or both drugs may need to be altered or another drug may be prescribed.
The following drugs or drug classes have been known to interact with erythromycin.

• warfarin (e.g. Coumadin®)
• carbamazepine (e.g. Tegretol®)
• cyclosporine (e.g. Neoral®)
• clozapine (e.g. Clozaril®)
• digoxin (e.g. Lanoxin®)
• ergotamine (e.g. Cafergot®)
• theophylline (e.g. Theo-Dur®)
• triazolam (e.g. Halcion®)
• phenytoin (e.g. Dilantin®)
• cholesterol reducing medications (e.g. Lipitor®)

• allergy to erythromycin or any component of the preparation
• people concurrently taking ergot alkaloids and clozapine

• liver disease
• cardiac arrhythmias or QT prolongation

Patient Information

Use exactly as prescribed.
Apo-Erythro EC® capsules can be taken with or without food. If necessary, the capsule can be opened and the pellets sprinkled on a small amount of semi-solid food such as ice-cream, applesauce, pudding, etc. The pellets cannot be chewed or crushed. They should be swallowed whole with the spoonful of food. To ensure all the pellets have been swallowed, you should drink some water. Be careful, the capsules are very full making it easy to spill and lose some of the pellets. Ask your pharmacist for complete instructions.
Take Apo-Erythro EC® at even intervals around the clock as prescribed (e.g. every 6 hours translates to 4 times a day) until finished. Failure to take the complete course can result in incomplete elimination of the bacteria which can lead to a relapse of the infection. The prescribed course generally lasts a few days longer than symptoms of the infection (e.g. fever). Treatment usually lasts 10 days. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, do not take 2 doses at once (unless you have been instructed to do so). Contact your pharmacist if you are not sure what to do.
Apo-Erythro EC® may produce an allergic reaction which can range in severity from a mild rash or itching to a life-threatening reaction. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience rash, itching, fever, difficulty breathing, chest tightness or anything else that alarms you.
It is not unusual to experience the more common, unwanted effects with Apo-Erythro EC® (e.g. nausea, diarrhea etc.). Contact your doctor or pharmacist if they are severe, persist or become bothersome.

Directions for Use

The dose will depend on the type and severity of the infection. The usual adult dose for respiratory tract infections is 250 mg four times a day (every 6 hours) or 333 mg three times a day (every 8 hours).

Lung Diseases Treated with this Drug

• bronchitis
• middle ear infections
• pharyngitis
• pneumonia
• respiratory tract infections
• sinus infections
• sinusitis
• sore throat
• tonsilitis
• upper respiratory tract infections

Need More Information?

For more information contact your physician, pharmacist, other health care professional or for general questions call your local lung association.