Medications

Font Size

Medications and Drugs

Swine Flu (H1N1) Vaccine Slideshow

Infectious Mononucleosis Slideshow

Strep or Sore Throat Slideshow

GENERIC NAME: ERYTHROMYCIN ESTOLATE - ORAL TABLET, CAPSULE (eh-rith-row-MY-sin ESS-toe-late)

BRAND NAME(S): Ilosone

WARNING: Erythromycin estolate may cause liver problems. This medication must not be used if you already have liver problems. Stop using this drug and notify your doctor immediately if you develop: nausea, vomiting, dark urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, fever, severe stomach/abdominal pain, unusual fatigue.

USES: Erythromycin is an antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. This antibiotic only treats bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

HOW TO USE: This medication may be taken with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Continue to take 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 relapse of the infection.

SIDE EFFECTS: May cause stomach upset, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become severe, inform your doctor. In addition to the above side effects, erythromycin estolate rarely causes dark urine, pale stools, severe stomach pain, unusual tiredness and weakness or yellow eyes and skin. Be sure to contact your doctor if these symptoms should occur. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.