Erythromycin
Like Azithromycin and Doxycycline, Erythromycin is mainly used for treating specific bacterial infections, including Legionnaires disease, pertussis, diphtheria, bronchitis, pneumonia, and syphilis, among many other conditions. It can also be used to prevent rheumatic fevers that are recurrent. However, it doesn’t work on colds, the flu, or any other viral infection. Taking this antibiotic when it isn’t needed will only increase the risks associated with medication resistance later on and make the treatment ineffective when required.
Erythromycin can be taken as a capsule, a delayed or immediate-release tablet, and oral suspension or liquid. It can usually be taken without or with food every six, eight, or twelve hours daily, depending on instructions from your healthcare provider. Avoid taking more or less than what’s prescribed even if you’re already feeling well or it may lead to complications and make the drug ineffective. Some mild adverse reactions you may experience are an upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, and appetite loss.
The medication can also result in severe side effects, such as hives, rashes, itching, breathing difficulties, pale stools, dark-colored urine, fatigue, seizures, irregular or pounding heartbeat, and severe diarrhea. If you experience these effects, immediately stop using the drug and seek medical treatment.
