erythromycin

REMS

IV: PO: Infections caused by susceptible organisms including:
- Upper and lower respiratory tract infections,
- Otitis media (with sulfonamides),
- Skin and skin structure infections,
- Pertussis,
- Diphtheria,
- Erythrasma,
- Intestinal amebiasis,
- Pelvic inflammatory disease,
- Nongonococcal urethritis,
- Syphilis,
- Legionnaires’ disease,
- Rheumatic fever.
Useful when penicillin is the most appropriate drug but cannot be used because of hypersensitivity, including:
- Streptococcal infections,
- Treatment of syphilis or gonorrhea.
Treatment of acne.

Action ⬆ ⬇

Suppresses protein synthesis at the level of the 50S bacterial ribosome.

Therapeutic effects:

Bacteriostatic action against susceptible bacteria.

Spectrum:

Active against many gram-positive cocci, including:
- Streptococci,
- Staphylococci.
Gram-positive bacilli, including:
- Clostridioides,
- Corynebacterium.
Several gram-negative pathogens, notably:
- Neisseria,
- Legionella pneumophila.
Mycoplasma and Chlamydia are also usually susceptible.

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: Variable absorption from the duodenum after oral administration (dependent on salt form). Absorption of enteric-coated products is delayed. Minimal absorption may follow topical or ophthalmic use.

Distribution: Widely distributed. Minimal CNS penetration. Crosses placenta; enters breast milk.

Protein Binding: 70–80%.

Metabolism/Excretion: Partially metabolized by the liver, excreted mainly unchanged in the bile; small amounts excreted unchanged in the urine.

Half-Life: Neonates: 2.1 hr; Adults: 1.4–2 hr.

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

(blood levels)

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
PO	1 hr	1–4 hr	6–12 hr
IV	rapid	end of infusion	6–12 hr

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇

Contraindicated in:

Hypersensitivity;
Concurrent use of dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, lovastatin, pimozide, or simvastatin;
Long QT syndrome
Hypokalemia
Hypomagnesemia
Heart rate <50 bpm;
Known alcohol intolerance (most topicals);
Tartrazine sensitivity (some products contain tartrazine—FDC yellow dye #5);
Products containing benzyl alcohol should be avoided in neonates.

Use Cautiously in:

Liver/renal disease;
OB: May be used in pregnancy to treat chlamydial infections or syphilis;
Myasthenia gravis (may worsen symptoms);
Geri: risk of ototoxicity if parenteral dose >4 g/day, risk of QTc interval prolongation.

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

CV: TORSADES DE POINTES, VENTRICULAR ARRHYTHMIAS, QT interval prolongation

Derm: rash

EENT: ototoxicity

GI: CLOSTRIDIOIDES DIFFICILE-ASSOCIATED DIARRHEA (CDAD), nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, hepatitis, infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, pancreatitis (rare)

GU: interstitial nephritis

Local: phlebitis at IV site

Neuro: seizures (rare)

Misc: HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS (INCLUDING ANAPHYLAXIS)

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Drug-drug:

Concurrent use with pimozide may ↑ levels and the risk for serious arrhythmias (concurrent use contraindicated); similar effects may occur with diltiazem, verapamil, ketoconazole, itraconazole, nefazodone, and protease inhibitors; avoid concurrent use.
May ↑ levels of ergotamine and dihydroergotamine and risk for acute ergot toxicity; concurrent use contraindicated.
Concurrent use with lovastatin or simvastatin may ↑ risk of rhabdomyolysis.
Concurrent use with amiodarone, dofetilide, or sotalol may ↑ risk of torsades de pointe; avoid concurrent use
May ↑ verapamil levels and the risk for hypotension, bradycardia, and lactic acidosis.
↑blood levels and effects of sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil; use lower doses.
Concurrent rifabutin or rifampin may ↓ effect of erythromycin and ↑ risk of adverse GI reactions.
↑levels and risk of toxicity from alfentanil, alprazolam, bromocriptine, carbamazepine, cyclosporine, cilostazol, diazepam, disopyramide, ergot alkaloids, felodipine, methylprednisolone, midazolam, quinidine, rifabutin, tacrolimus, triazolam, or vinblastine.
May ↑ levels of lovastatin and simvastatin and ↑ the risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis.
May ↑ serum digoxin levels.
Theophylline may ↓ blood levels.
May ↑ colchicine levels and the risk for toxicity; use lower starting and maximum dose of colchicine.
May ↑ theophylline levels and the risk for toxicity; ↓ theophylline dose.
May ↑ warfarin levels and the risk for bleeding.

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

Most Infections

Acne

250 mg of erythromycin base or stearate = 400 mg of erythromycin ethylsuccinate
PO (Adults ): Base, stearate—250 mg every 6 hr, or 333 mg every 8 hr, or 500 mg every 12 hr. Ethylsuccinate—400 mg every 6 hr or 800 mg every 12 hr.
PO (Children >1 mo): Base and ethylsuccinate—30–50 mg/kg/day divided every 6–8 hr (max = 2 g/day as base or 3.2 g/day as ethylsuccinate). Stearate—30–50 mg/kg/day divided every 6 hr (max = 2 g/day).
PO (Neonates ): Ethylsuccinate—20–50 mg/kg/day divided every 6–12 hr.
IV (Adults ): 250–500 mg (up to 1 g) every 6 hr.
IV (Children >1 mo): 15–50 mg/kg/day divided every 6 hr (max = 4 g/day).
(Adults and Children >12 yr): 2% gel, solution, or pledgets twice daily.

Availability ⬆ ⬇

(Generic available)

Erythromycin Base

Delayed-release capsules: 250 mg; 333 mg
Delayed—release tablets: 250 mg; 333 mg; 500 mg

Erythromycin Ethylsuccinate

Oral suspensionfruit, cherry, orange, or banana flavor: 200 mg/5 mL; 400 mg/5 mL
Tablets: 400 mg

Erythromycin Lactobionate

Powder for injection (requires reconstitution and dilution): 500 mg/vial; 1 g

Erythromycin Stearate

Film-coated tablets: 250 mg

Erythromycin Topical Preparations

Gel: 2%
Pledgets: 2%
Solution: 2%
In combination with: benzoyl peroxide (Benzamycin). See Appendix [not included in this PDA edition].

Assessment ⬆ ⬇

Assess for infection (vital signs; appearance of wound, sputum, urine, and stool; WBC) at beginning of and during therapy.
Obtain specimens for culture and sensitivity before initiating therapy. First dose may be given before receiving results.
Monitor bowel function. Diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fever, and bloody stools should be reported to health care professional promptly as a sign of Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD). May begin up to several wk following cessation of therapy.

Lab Test Considerations:

Monitor liver function tests periodically on patients receiving high-dose, long-term therapy.
- May cause ↑ serum bilirubin, AST, ALT, and alkaline phosphatase concentrations.
- May cause false ↑ of urinary catecholamines.

Implementation ⬆ ⬇

PO: Administer around the clock. Erythromycin film-coated tablets (base and stearate) are absorbed better on an empty stomach, at least 1 hr before or 2 hr after meals; may be taken with food if GI irritation occurs. Enteric-coated erythromycin (base) may be taken without regard to meals. Erythromycin ethylsuccinate is best absorbed when taken with meals. Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- Use calibrated measuring device for liquid preparations. Shake well before using.
- Do not crush or chew delayed-release capsules or tablets; swallow whole. Erythromycin base delayed-release capsules may be opened and sprinkled on applesauce, jelly, or ice cream immediately before ingestion. Entire contents of the capsule should be taken.
Cleanse area before application. Wear gloves during application.

IV Administration:

IV: Add 10 mL of sterile water for injection without preservatives to 250- or 500-mg vials and 20 mL to 1-g vial. Solution is stable for 7 days after reconstitution if refrigerated.
Intermittent Infusion: Diluent: Dilute in 0.9% NaCl or D5W.Concentration: 1–5 mg/mL.
Rate: Administer slowly over 20–60 min to avoid phlebitis. Assess for pain along vein; slow rate if pain occurs; apply ice and notify health care professional if unable to relieve pain.
May also be administered as an infusion over 4 hr. Diluent: 0.9% NaCl, D5W, or LR.Concentration: 1 g/L.

Erythromycin Lactobionate

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Instruct patient to take medication around the clock and to finish the drug completely as directed, even if feeling better. Take missed doses as soon as remembered, with remaining doses evenly spaced throughout day. Advise patient that sharing of this medication may be dangerous.
May cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach cramps; notify health care professional if these effects persist or if severe abdominal pain, yellow discoloration of the skin or eyes, darkened urine, pale stools, or unusual tiredness develops. May cause infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in infants; notify health care professional if vomiting and irritability occur.
Caution patient to notify health care professional if fever and diarrhea occur, especially if stool contains blood, pus, or mucus. Advise patient not to treat diarrhea without consulting health care professional. May occur up to several wk after discontinuation of medication.
Advise patient to report signs of superinfection (black, furry overgrowth on the tongue; vaginal itching or discharge; loose or foul-smelling stools).
Advise females of reproductive potential to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected, or if breast feeding.
Instruct patient to notify health care professional if symptoms do not improve.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes ⬆ ⬇

Resolution of the signs and symptoms of infection. Length of time for complete resolution depends on the organism and site of infection.
Improvement of acne lesions.

US Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

erythromycin base: ~~E-Mycin,~~ Ery-Tab, ~~PCE,~~

erythromycin ethylsuccinate: E.E.S, EryPed,

erythromycin lactobionate: Erythrocin,

erythromycin stearate: Erythrocin Stearate,

erythromycin (topical): Erygel

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Pronunciation ⬇

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Indications ⬆ ⬇