Erythromycin

Medically reviewed by Jessica Swirble, PharmD
Last updated on 3/16/2024

Drug Information | Side Effects | Use & Dosage | Request a Prescription

The use of erythromycin has been shown to cause side effects in some patients.

Common mild side effects of erythromycin use include:

• Nausea
  
• Vomiting
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Abdominal pain
  
• Loss of appetite
  
• Skin rash or itching
  
• Dizziness
  
• Headache
  
• For opthalmic erythromycin: eye irritation (redness, burning, or stinging around the eye)
  
  

More severe side effects include:

• Severe abdominal pain
  
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
  
• Dark urine
  
• Unusual fatigue
  
• Irregular heartbeat
  
• Muscle weakness
  
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  
• Severe diarrhea
  
  

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any severe symptoms while taking erythromycin. If you experience mild side effects that become severe or do not go away after a few days, speak to a healthcare provider right away.

Tell your healthcare provider about any existing medical conditions, allergies, or other medications you are taking before starting treatment with erythromycin. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements, as they may interact with this drug.

Tell your provider if you are taking these medications or supplements:

• Warfarin or other blood thinners
  
• Digoxin or other heart medications
  
• Theophylline or other asthma medications
  
• Ergotamine or other migraine medications
  
• Birth control pills
  
• Statin medications
  
• Benzodiazepines
  
• Calcium channel blockers
  
• Colchicine
  
  

You should also mention medical conditions such as:

• Liver disease
  
• Kidney disease
  
• Heart rhythm disorders
  
• Myasthenia gravis
  
• Long QT syndrome
  
  

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before using erythromycin to assess potential risks and benefits.

You can follow your regular diet while taking erythromycin. However, until you know how erythromycin affects you, avoid activities requiring mental alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery. Erythromycin may cause dizziness or lightheadedness.

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit while taking erythromycin. Grapefruit can increase the effects of erythromycin, leading to more side effects.

Avoid consuming alcohol while taking erythromycin, as it may increase the risk of side effects such as stomach upset and liver toxicity.

Your healthcare provider will provide specific instructions regarding the use of erythromycin with food, beverages, and other medications. It's essential to follow their guidance to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and minimize the risk of side effects.

If you suspect an overdose of Erythromycin or experience severe symptoms, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center. Symptoms of an overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. If an individual has collapsed, is having seizures, or is unresponsive, call 9-1-1 immediately.