Treat Sinusitis With Erythromycin
Learn how Erythromycin treats Sinusitis, 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 a number of different MHRA approved generic manufacturers.
What Form is Erythromycin available in?
Erythromycin is available as tablets, gastro-resistant tablets and as oral suspensions.
How do I store Erythromycin?
You may store Erythromycin tablets at room temperature, away from excess moisture and heat. Erythromycin suspension, once made up, should be stored in the fridge at temperatures between 2 and 8 degrees, as advised by the manufacturer.
What is Erythromycin used for?
Erythromycin is used for the treatment of acute bacterial sinusitis (rhinosinusitis) in pregnant individuals (aged 16 years and over) under the NHS England commissioned Pharmacy First service.
How does Erythromycin work?
Erythromycin is an antibiotic used to stop the growth and spread of Erythromycin-sensitive organisms.
When will I feel better and what should I do if I do not get better?
You should begin to feel better within 3 days of starting Erythromycin. If however, your symptoms do not improve or get worse, call your doctor.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Erythromycin?
Alcohol may reduce Erythromycins benefits or delay it from working.
Do I need to take Erythromycin with food?
Generally, it's better to take Erythromycin 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 sinusitis for the Pharmacy First service, but may not take Erythromycin if you meet the exclusion criteria for sinusitis for the Pharmacy First service.
How often do I need to take Erythromycin?
Young people and adults 16 years of age and over will need to take 500mg of Erythromycin four times a day for 5 days.
What are the side effects of Erythromycin?
Side effects of Erythromycin include diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, decreased appetite, altered taste, pancreatitis, dizziness, headache, hearing problems, insomnia, skin reactions and vision disorders.
Are there any Interactions of Erythromycin with other drugs?
Erythromycin interacts with amisulpride, astemizole, cisapride, domperidone, mizolastine, pimozide, terfenadine, tolterodine, chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine, ergotamine or dihydroergotamine, colchicine, Typhoid vaccine, any medicine known to cause Sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS), strong inducers of cytochrome P450 (CYP), direct oral anticoagulants, Calcium channel blockers, and medicines known to cause hypokalaemia, such as diuretics or corticosteroids.
Other important information about Erythromycin
Take Erythromycin regularly and finish the full course even if your symptoms improve. If you feel dizzy or drowsy, do not drive or operate machinery. Speak to your doctor 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 and does not stop any type of contraception from working, however if Erythromycin makes you vomit or causes severe diarrhoea, lasting for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy.
Can I use Erythromycin when breast feeding?
Erythromycin can be used when breastfeeding, but you must monitor your baby for side effects such as, gastro-intestinal disturbances, loss of appetite, oral thrush, rashes, drowsiness or irritability.
Can I use Erythromycin if I am pregnant or planning to become pregnant?
Erythromycin is generally safe to take when pregnant, 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.
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FAQs
Answers to Popular Questions About How Erythromycin Treats Sinusitis
What is Erythromycin and how is it used for impetigo?
Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat impetigo when penicillin-type antibiotics (such as flucloxacillin) are unsuitable — most commonly due to penicillin allergy. Erythromycin is effective against the Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria that cause impetigo. It is available in several formulations including tablets (erythromycin stearate), oral suspension (erythromycin ethyl succinate), and capsules (erythromycin base). Through Pharmacy First, your pharmacist can supply erythromycin for impetigo as a free NHS service without needing a GP appointment.
What is the dose of Erythromycin for impetigo?
The dose depends on the formulation: erythromycin base/stearate: 250–500 mg four times daily for 5–7 days (take on an empty stomach); erythromycin ethyl succinate: 400–800 mg four times daily or twice daily for 5–7 days (take with food). Children’s doses are weight-based. Your pharmacist will determine the correct formulation, dose, and duration. Always complete the full course even if the skin appears to be healing.
Why is Erythromycin used instead of flucloxacillin for impetigo?
Flucloxacillin is the first-line oral antibiotic for non-bullous impetigo per NICE guidance. However, erythromycin (or clarithromycin) is recommended as the alternative for patients who are allergic to penicillin, as flucloxacillin is a penicillin-based antibiotic. Erythromycin may also be selected if there are specific drug interactions or other contraindications to flucloxacillin. Both antibiotics are effective against the bacteria that commonly cause impetigo.
Can I get Erythromycin for impetigo through Pharmacy First?
Yes, the NHS Pharmacy First service allows pharmacists to clinically assess and treat impetigo, including supplying oral antibiotics like erythromycin where appropriate. The pharmacist will examine the skin, confirm the diagnosis, determine whether topical or oral treatment is needed, and select the most suitable antibiotic. This free NHS service provides convenient access to treatment without a GP visit.
What are the side effects of Erythromycin?
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhoea — erythromycin stimulates gut motility which commonly causes stomach discomfort. Taking the ethyl succinate form with food reduces nausea. A metallic taste may occur. Less common side effects include skin rash, hearing disturbances (reversible), and liver enzyme changes. Rare serious side effects include hepatotoxicity and QT prolongation. Seek immediate medical advice for jaundice, severe abdominal pain, or allergic reactions.
Is impetigo contagious while I'm taking Erythromycin?
Yes, impetigo remains contagious until you have been taking antibiotics for 48 hours. After 48 hours of antibiotic treatment, you are generally no longer contagious, provided the sores are responding. During this time, maintain strict hygiene: wash hands regularly, keep sores covered, avoid sharing personal items, and children should stay home from school or nursery. The sores typically heal within 7–10 days of starting treatment.
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