Treat Impetigo With Erythromycin Stearate
Learn how Erythromycin Stearate 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 Stearate Key Facts
Who Manufactures Erythromycin Stearate?
Erythromycin Stearate is manufactured by Advanz Pharma and is approved by the MHRA.
What Form is Erythromycin Stearate available in?
Erythromycin Stearate is available in tablet form.
How do I store Erythromycin Stearate?
Erythromycin Stearate tablets should be stored at room temperature, as specified by the manufacturer.
What is Erythromycin Stearate used for?
Erythromycin Stearate 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 Stearate work?
Erythromycin Stearate is an antibiotic that stops erythromycin-sensitive organisms from growing and spreading.
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 speak to your doctor if you do not see an improvement after 3 days or if your symptoms worsen rapidly or significantly at any time.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Erythromycin Stearate?
Drinking alcohol with Erythromycin Stearate may reduce its benefits or delay it from working.
Do I need to take Erythromycin Stearate with food?
Generally, it's better to take Erythromycin Stearate with food, so it does not upset your stomach.
Who can and cannot take Erythromycin Stearate?
You may take Erythromycin Stearate if you meet the inclusion criteria for impetigo for the Pharmacy First service, but may not take Erythromycin Stearate if you meet the exclusion criteria for impetigo for the Pharmacy First service.
How often do I need to take Erythromycin Stearate?
Young people and adults aged 16 and over will need to take 500mg of Erythromycin Stearate four times daily for 5 days.
What are the side effects of Erythromycin Stearate?
Side effects of Erythromycin Stearate include gastrointestinal discomfort, such as diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, decreased appetite, dizziness, headache, skin rashes/reactions and altered taste.
Are there any Interactions of Erythromycin Stearate with other drugs?
Erythromycin Stearate interacts with acenocoumarol, alfentanil, astemizole, bromocriptine, carbamazepine, cilostazol, cyclosporin, digoxin, dihydroergotamine, disopyramide, ergotamine, hexobarbitone, methylprednisolone, midazolam, omeprazole, phenytoin, quinidine, rifabutin, sildenafil, tacrolimus, terfenadine, domperidone, theophylline, triazolam, valproate, vinblastine, and antifungals e.g fluconazole, ketoconazole and itraconazole.
Other important information about Erythromycin Stearate
Take Erythromycin Stearate at regular intervals and finish the full course, even if your symptoms improve. Do not drive or operate machinery, if you experience dizziness or drowsiness. Seek medical advice in the event of an adverse reaction or if any other new symptoms develop.
Does Erythromycin Stearate interfere with conception and contraception?
Erythromycin Stearate does not affect fertility in men or women and does not stop any type of contraception from working. However if erythromycin makes you vomit or have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy.
Can I use Erythromycin Stearate when breast feeding?
You must avoid direct contact between infants and impetigo lesion(s). Erythromycin Stearate 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 Stearate if I am pregnant or planning to become pregnant?
Erythromycin Stearate is generally OK to take during pregnancy, but should only be used if the benefit of treatment outweighs any risks.
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 Stearate Treats Impetigo
What is Erythromycin Stearate and how is it used for acute sinusitis?
Erythromycin stearate is a macrolide antibiotic tablet used to treat acute bacterial sinusitis when penicillin-based antibiotics are not suitable. It must be taken on an empty stomach for proper absorption. Through Pharmacy First, pharmacists can supply erythromycin stearate for sinusitis.
What is the dose for sinusitis?
Adults: 250–500 mg four times daily for 5 days, taken on an empty stomach (30 minutes before or 2 hours after food). Complete the full course.
Can I get this through Pharmacy First?
Yes, this is available through the free NHS Pharmacy First service. The pharmacist will assess your sinusitis and determine the most appropriate treatment.
What are the side effects?
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. Taking on an empty stomach may increase nausea. If intolerable, discuss switching to erythromycin ethyl succinate (taken with food) with your pharmacist.
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