Treat Impetigo With Erythromycin
Learn how Erythromycin treats Impetigo, how to use it safely, who it's suitable for, and what results to expect. When clinically appropriate, our trained clinicians can assess your symptoms online and provide treatment without needing a GP appointment.
MEDICAL INFORMATION
Erythromycin Key Facts
Who Manufactures Erythromycin?
Erythromycin is manufactured by various MHRA approved generic manufacturers.
What Form is Erythromycin available in?
Erythromycin is available as tablets, gastro-resitstant tablets and as an oral suspension.
How do I store Erythromycin?
Store Erythromycin tablets at room temperature, below 25° C, in the original package, away from moisture and heat. Store Erythromycin suspension in the fridge once made up, at temperatures between 2 and 8 degrees, as specified by the manufacturer.
What is Erythromycin used for?
Erythromycin is used for the treatment of widespread non-bullous impetigo in pregnant individuals (aged 16 years and over) under the NHS England commissioned Pharmacy First.
How does Erythromycin work?
Erythromycin is an antibiotic used for the prophylaxis and treatment of infections caused by Erythromycin-sensitive organisms.
When will I feel better and what should I do if I do not get better?
You should start to feel better within a few days, but if you do not see an improvement after 3 days or if your symptoms worsen at any time, speak to your doctor for medical advice.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Erythromycin?
Drinking alcohol with Erythromycin may delay it from working and reduce its benefits.
Do I need to take Erythromycin with food?
Erythromycin should be taken with food to help prevent it from upsetting your stomach.
Who can and cannot take Erythromycin?
You may take Erythromycin if you meet the inclusion criteria for impetigo for the Pharmacy First service, but you may not take Erythromycin if you meet the exclusion criteria for impetigo for the Pharmacy First service.
How often do I need to take Erythromycin?
If you are 16 years of age or over, you will need to take 500mg of Erythromycin, four times a day, for 5 days.
What are the side effects of Erythromycin?
Erythromycin may cause side effects such as diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, decreased appetite, skin reactions and altered taste.
Are there any Interactions of Erythromycin with other drugs?
Erythromycin may interact with drugs such as astemizole, domperidone, ergotamine or dihydroergotamine, colchicine, Typhoid vaccine, strong inducers of cytochrome P450 (CYP), statins, calcium channel blockers, digoxin and medicines known to cause hypokalaemia.
Other important information about Erythromycin
You should take Erythromycin at regular intervals and finish the course even if your symptoms improve. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, do not drive or operate machinery. Speak to your healthcare provider in the event of an adverse reaction or if any other new symptoms develop.
Does Erythromycin interfere with conception and contraception?
Erythromycin does not affect fertility in men or women and will not stop your contraception from working. If Erythromycin makes you sick or gives you severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive may not stop you from becoming pregnant.
Can I use Erythromycin when breast feeding?
You must avoid direct contact between infants and impetigo lesion(s). Erythromycin can be used in breastfeeding individuals, but you must monitor nursing infants for gastro-intestinal disturbances, oral candida infection, rashes, drowsiness, irritability, sweating and loss of appetite.
Can I use Erythromycin if I am pregnant or planning to become pregnant?
Erythromycin should only be used if the benefit of treatment outweighs any risks during pregnancy.
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
FAQs
Answers to Popular Questions About How Erythromycin Treats Impetigo
What is Erythromycin and how is it used for acute sinusitis?
Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used as an alternative to penicillin-based antibiotics for acute bacterial sinusitis, typically when the patient has a penicillin allergy. It is available as erythromycin stearate tablets (take on an empty stomach) or erythromycin ethyl succinate tablets/suspension (take with food). Through Pharmacy First, pharmacists can supply erythromycin for sinusitis without a GP visit.
What is the dose of Erythromycin for sinusitis?
Erythromycin stearate: 250–500 mg four times daily for 5 days (empty stomach). Erythromycin ethyl succinate: 400–800 mg four times or twice daily for 5 days (with food). Children: weight-based dosing. Your pharmacist will advise on the correct formulation and dose.
When are antibiotics needed for sinusitis?
Most acute sinusitis is viral and resolves without antibiotics within 2–3 weeks. Antibiotics are recommended only when symptoms persist beyond 10 days, or are severe from the outset (high fever, severe facial pain, purulent discharge). Your Pharmacy First pharmacist will determine whether antibiotics are appropriate.
What are the side effects?
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhoea. Taking the ethyl succinate form with food reduces stomach upset. Seek advice if sinusitis symptoms worsen or do not improve within 2–3 days of antibiotics.
Experienced a Side Effect?
Report to Yellow Card (UK) or MedWatch (US)
Report to
OUR CUSTOMERS VIEW
What Customers Love About Our Service
We want everyone to be happy and healthy, that’s what keeps us going. Read what some of them have to say about us.
Medicines Experts
Meet Our Medical Team
We are a broad skilled and passionate group of clinicians with experience of operating in health systems in the United Kingdom & United States. Providing excellent care and advice is at the heart of everything we do. You can read more about our medical team by visiting the medical team page or learn more about how we curate content by visiting our editorial process
