Treat Sore Throat With Erythromycin Ethyl Succinate
Learn how Erythromycin Ethyl Succinate treats Sore Throat, 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 Ethyl Succinate Key Facts
Who Manufactures Erythromycin Ethyl Succinate?
Erythromycin Ethyl Succinate is manufactured by Pinewood Healthcare and is approved by the MHRA.
What Form is Erythromycin Ethyl Succinate available in?
Erythromycin Ethyl Succinate is available as an oral suspension.
How do I store Erythromycin Ethyl Succinate?
Store Erythromycin Ethyl Succinate suspension in the fridge at temperatures between 2 and 8 degrees once made up, as directed by the manufacturer.
What is Erythromycin Ethyl Succinate used for?
Erythromycin Ethyl Succinate is used for the treatment of acute sore throat due to suspected streptococcal infection in pregnant individuals (aged 16 years and over) under the NHS England commissioned Pharmacy First service.
How does Erythromycin Ethyl Succinate work?
Erythromycin Ethyl Succinate 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 of taking Erythromycin Ethyl Succinate, but speak to your healthcare provider if you do not see an improvement after 3 days or if your symptoms worsen at any time.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Erythromycin Ethyl Succinate?
Drinking alcohol with Erythromycin Ethyl Succinate may reduce its benefits or delay it from working.
Do I need to take Erythromycin Ethyl Succinate with food?
It's better to take Erythromycin Ethyl Succinate with food, to prevent it from upsetting your stomach.
Who can and cannot take Erythromycin Ethyl Succinate?
You may take Erythromycin Ethyl Succinate if you meet the inclusion criteria for sore throats for the Pharmacy First service, but may not take Erythromycin Ethyl Succinate if you meet the exclusion criteria for sore throats for the Pharmacy First service.
How often do I need to take Erythromycin Ethyl Succinate?
Young people and adults aged 16 years and over will need to take 500mg of Erythromycin Ethyl Succinate, four times daily for 5 days.
What are the side effects of Erythromycin Ethyl Succinate?
Side effects of Erythromycin Ethyl Succinate include diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, pancreatitis, decreased appetite, dizziness, headache, insomnia, skin reactions, paresthesia, altered taste and vasodilation.
Are there any Interactions of Erythromycin Ethyl Succinate with other drugs?
Erythromycin Ethyl Succinate interacts with tolterodine, amisulpride, domperidone, pimozide, terfenadine, ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, colchicine, ivabradine, strong inducers of cytochrome P450, direct oral anticoagulants, such as apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, rivaroxaban, statins, and medicines known to cause hypokalaemia, such as diuretics, corticosteroids, or xanthines.
Other important information about Erythromycin Ethyl Succinate
Take Erythromycin Ethyl Succinate 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 Ethyl Succinate interfere with conception and contraception?
Erythromycin Ethyl Succinate does not affect fertility in men or women and does not stop contraception from working, however if Erythromycin Ethyl Succinate makes you sick or gives you severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy.
Can I use Erythromycin Ethyl Succinate when breast feeding?
Erythromycin Ethyl Succinate 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 Ethyl Succinate if I am pregnant or planning to become pregnant?
Erythromycin Ethyl Succinate should only be used in pregnancy 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 Ethyl Succinate Treats Sore Throat
What is Erythromycin Ethyl Succinate and how is it used for infected insect bites?
Erythromycin ethyl succinate is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat infected insect bites when penicillin-based antibiotics are not suitable, typically due to penicillin allergy. It is available as tablets and oral suspension. Erythromycin ethyl succinate should be taken with food for optimal absorption. Through the NHS Pharmacy First service, pharmacists can supply this antibiotic for infected insect bites without a GP appointment.
What is the dose of Erythromycin Ethyl Succinate for infected insect bites?
Adults: 400 mg four times daily or 800 mg twice daily for 5–7 days. Children: dose is weight-based (typically 40 mg/kg/day in divided doses). Take with or after food. Space doses evenly throughout the day. Complete the full course to prevent recurrence or antibiotic resistance.
Can I get this through Pharmacy First?
Yes, pharmacists can assess infected insect bites through the NHS Pharmacy First service and supply erythromycin ethyl succinate where clinically appropriate. The pharmacist will evaluate the infection, check for signs of cellulitis, and determine whether antibiotics are needed. This is a free NHS service.
What are the side effects?
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhoea. Taking erythromycin ethyl succinate with food helps reduce stomach upset. Less common effects include rash and taste disturbance. Seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or the infection spreads despite treatment.
When should I seek urgent help for an infected insect bite?
Seek urgent medical attention if: the redness is spreading rapidly, you develop red streaking from the bite, you have a high temperature (fever), the area becomes very swollen or painful, you feel generally unwell, or the infection is not improving after 2–3 days of antibiotics. These may indicate cellulitis or more serious infection requiring hospital assessment.
Experienced a Side Effect?
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