erythromycin lactobionate – intravenous

Medication Uses How To Use Side Effects Precautions Drug Interactions Overdose Notes Missed Dose Storage USES: This medication is an antibiotic given by vein (IV) to treat certain bacterial infections when medications cannot be taken by mouth. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. HOW TO USE: This medication is mixed in the correct fluid and given slowly into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually every 6 hours. Erythromycin may be given continuously or slowly over 20 to 60 minutes as separate doses at evenly spaced intervals. Dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Use this injectable medication until you are able to take an antibiotic by mouth or until your treatment is finished.If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, resulting in a return of the infection.Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens. SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea/loose stools, stomach pain, or pain/redness at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: hearing changes (ringing in the ears, hearing loss), persistent nausea/vomiting, severe abdominal/stomach pain, unusual weakness/tiredness, change in the amount of urine, dark urine, yellowing skin/eyes, muscle weakness.Get medical help right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: severe dizziness, fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat.This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to resistant bacteria. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool.Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches/sores in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using erythromycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to any macrolide/ketolide antibiotics. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or myasthenia gravis.Erythromycin may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can result in fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms that need medical attention. Before using erythromycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the drugs you take and if you have certain heart problems or low levels of potassium or magnesium.Caution is advised when this drug is used in infants. There have been rare reports of a stomach problem called IHPS in infants receiving this medication. Contact your child’s doctor if the child has persistent vomiting or increased irritability.Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially hearing loss and QT prolongation.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. Keep a list of all the products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.Some products that may interact with this drug include: colchicine, eletriptan, ergot alkaloids, digoxin, certain drugs for seizures, drugs that can change potassium levels, drugs that may affect the heart rhythm, theophylline, live bacterial vaccines, warfarin, drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove erythromycin from your body, antifungals, rifamycins, calcium channel blockers, certain heart medications, certain erectile dysfunction/pulmonary hypertension drugs, certain benzodiazepines, corticosteroids, cyclosporine, drugs to treat erectile dysfunction or high blood pressure, drugs used to treat stomach/intestinal problems, drugs used to treat seizures, and drugs used to treat hormonal birth control.This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, possibly causing false results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

QUESTION

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center. NOTES: Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed. MISSED DOSE: It is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose. STORAGE: Consult product instructions and your pharmacist for storage details. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company. Information last revised March 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate, or effective. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate, or effective. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.