Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic like Azithromycin, and is used for treating bacterial infections, including but not limited to the following:
Erythromycin can be taken by mouth or applied to the skin. The dosages for different uses and age groups are listed below:
For acute otitis media (ear infection)
By mouth
Child 1-23 months
125 mg 4 times daily for 5-7 days OR 250 mg twice daily for 5-7 days.
Child 2-7 years
250 mg 4 times daily for 5-7 days OR 500 mg twice daily for 5-7 days.
Child 8-17 years
250-500 mg 4 times daily for 5-7 days OR 500-1000 mg twice daily for 5-7 days.
For acne (in adults)
By mouth
Start with 250 mg daily and may increase up to 500 mg twice daily.
To the skin using 2-4% solution / gel / ointment
Apply to the affected areas 1-2 times daily for a maximum duration of 6 months. If your conditions worsen or show no improvement after 6-8 weeks of use, you should tell your doctor and discontinue the treatment.
For respiratory tract infections / skin and soft tissue infections / other susceptible infections
Adult
1-2 g daily in 2-4 divided doses and may increase up to 4 g daily in severe cases. You should take the dose that is above 1 g in more than 2 divided doses.
Child
30-50 mg/kg daily in 2-4 divided doses and may double the dose in severe cases.
Common dosing schedule:
You should take Erythromycin on an empty stomach (about 2 hours before or after a meal) with a full glass of water.
If you experience any extreme gastrointestinal upset, you may take the drug with food.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Erythromycin may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Erythromycin is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Erythromycin in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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