| name | Erythromycin |
| classification | Macrolide antibiotic |
| pharmacokinetics | | absorption | Erythromycin is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, but absorption is variable and often incomplete. Food can significantly reduce absorption. Intravenous and intramuscular formulations bypass this issue. | | distribution | Erythromycin distributes throughout the body, including the lungs, tissues, and bone marrow. It reaches therapeutic concentrations in most tissues. | | metabolism | Erythromycin is primarily metabolized by the liver. However, significant amounts are excreted unchanged in the urine and bile. | | excretion | Elimination primarily occurs through the liver and kidneys. Renal excretion is important, especially with patients with impaired kidney function. |
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| suggested dosage | | oral | The dosage and duration of therapy vary depending on the specific infection and severity. Dosage recommendations should be confirmed with a healthcare professional. | | iv | Intravenous erythromycin dosage is often titrated to achieve a therapeutic level, and must be given under medical supervision. | | notes | Dosage needs to be tailored to individual patient's needs, as some factors like the severity of the infection or kidney function will affect dosage. Consult a doctor. |
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| indications | Erythromycin is used to treat various bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and some sexually transmitted infections. It's also used to treat certain types of atypical pneumonia and other conditions. |
| safety in pregnancy | Erythromycin is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy, but only if prescribed by a physician. Specific considerations apply to the trimester and the mother's medical conditions. Consult a doctor for this. |
| safety in breastfeeding | Erythromycin is excreted in breast milk. The potential for infant exposure should be considered. Consult a doctor to discuss if erythromycin is suitable in this case. |
| side effects | | 1 | Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) | | 2 | Headache | | 3 | Dizziness | | 4 | Abdominal pain | | 5 | Elevated liver enzymes (rare) | | 6 | Hypersensitivity reactions (rare) | | 7 | Cardiovascular effects (rare in normal dosages) | | 8 | Central nervous system effects (rare, mostly seen at high dosages) |
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| alternatives | |
| contraindications | | 1 | Known hypersensitivity to erythromycin or other macrolide antibiotics | | 2 | Severe liver or kidney disease | | 3 | Severe heart block (complete heart block) |
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| interactions | Erythromycin can interact with several medications, including certain antifungal drugs, antacids, and others. A thorough medication history is crucial for minimizing interactions. Inform your doctor of all medications you are taking. |
| warnings and precautions | | 1 | Monitor for signs of liver or kidney dysfunction during treatment | | 2 | Patients with a history of QT prolongation should be monitored closely. | | 3 | Caution should be exercised in patients with known cardiac conditions. This is important and should be clarified by your doctor before using this medicine. |
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| additional informations | Erythromycin comes in various forms, including oral tablets, capsules, intravenous solutions, and topical preparations. The choice of formulation depends on the condition being treated and the patient's needs. Erythromycin is usually effective in treating bacterial infections, but it is essential to consult a doctor to determine the best treatment plan. |
| patient specific considerations | | age | Erythromycin is generally safe for a 25-year-old male. | | weight | Erythromycin's dosage is based on body weight and other factors such as the condition that needs to be treated, so a weight of 70kg will influence the suggested dose by a doctor. |
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