Therapeutic Classification: anti-infectives
Pharmacologic Classification: macrolides
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.
Erythromycin Base
Erythromycin Ethylsuccinate
Erythromycin Lactobionate
Erythromycin Stearate
Erythromycin Topical Preparations
(Generic available)
- Delayed-release capsules: 250 mg; 333 mg
- Delayed—release tablets: 250 mg; 333 mg; 500 mg
- Oral suspensionfruit, cherry, orange, or banana flavor: 200 mg/5 mL; 400 mg/5 mL
- Tablets: 400 mg
- Powder for injection (requires reconstitution and dilution): 500 mg/vial; 1 g
- Film-coated tablets: 250 mg
- Gel: 2%
- Pledgets: 2%
- Solution: 2%
- In combination with: benzoyl peroxide (Benzamycin). See Appendix [not included in this PDA edition].
- 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
erythromycin base: E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, PCE,
erythromycin ethylsuccinate: E.E.S, EryPed,
erythromycin lactobionate: Erythrocin,
erythromycin stearate: Erythrocin Stearate,
erythromycin (topical): Erygel
erythromycin base: Eryc,
erythromycin stearate: Erythro-S
