Treat Sore Throat With Erythromycin Stearate
Learn how Erythromycin Stearate 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 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 advised by the manufacturer.
What is Erythromycin Stearate used for?
Erythromycin Stearate 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 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 begin to feel better within a few days of taking Erythromycin Stearate. Speak to your doctor if you do not see an improvement after 3 days or if your symptoms become worse 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?
It's generally better to take Erythromycin Stearate with food to help prevent it from upsetting your stomach.
Who can and cannot take Erythromycin Stearate?
You may take Erythromycin Stearate if you meet the inclusion criteria for sore throats for the Pharmacy First service, but may not take Erythromycin Stearate if you meet the exclusion criteria for sore throats for the Pharmacy First service.
How often do I need to take Erythromycin Stearate?
Young people and adults aged 16 years of age 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, pancreatitis, decreased appetite, hearing impairment, insomnia, skin rashes, paresthesia, taste altered and vision disorders.
Are there any Interactions of Erythromycin Stearate with other drugs?
Erythromycin Stearate interacts with astemizole, cisapride, mizolastine, domperidone, pimozide, terfenadine, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, colchicine, ivabradine, Typhoid vaccine, any medicine known to cause Sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS), strong inducers of cytochrome P450 (CYP) and may reduce the efficacy of erythromycin, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), statins, calcium channel blockers, digoxin and medicines known to cause hypokalaemia, such as corticosteroids or xanthines.
Other important information about Erythromycin Stearate
Take Erythromycin Stearate at regular intervals and finish the course even if your symptoms improve. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, do not drive or operate machinery. Seek medical advice from your healthcare provider 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 types of contraception from working. If Erythromycin Stearate makes you vomit or have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive tablets may not however prevent pregnancy.
Can I use Erythromycin Stearate when breast feeding?
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 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.
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FAQs
Answers to Popular Questions About How Erythromycin Stearate Treats Sore Throat
What is Erythromycin Stearate and how is it used for infected insect bites?
Erythromycin stearate is a macrolide antibiotic in tablet form used to treat infected insect bites when penicillin-type antibiotics cannot be used. It must be taken on an empty stomach (30 minutes before or 2 hours after food) for proper absorption. Through the NHS Pharmacy First service, pharmacists can supply erythromycin stearate for infected insect bites.
What is the dose of Erythromycin Stearate for infected insect bites?
Adults: 250–500 mg four times daily for 5–7 days, taken on an empty stomach. Children’s doses are weight-based and determined by the pharmacist. Complete the full course even if the bite appears to be healing.
Can I get this through Pharmacy First?
Yes, the Pharmacy First service enables pharmacists to assess infected insect bites and supply appropriate antibiotics including erythromycin stearate. The pharmacist will check the severity of the infection and decide whether oral 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 on an empty stomach as directed maximises absorption but may increase nausea. If gastrointestinal side effects are intolerable, discuss with your pharmacist — an alternative formulation (erythromycin ethyl succinate, taken with food) may be better tolerated.
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