ERYTHROMYCIN ESTOLATE

Drug Name: ERYTHROMYCIN ESTOLATE

ERYTHROMYCIN ESTOLATE DESCRIPTION:
ERYTHROMYCIN ESTOLATE - ORAL LIQUID (eh-rith-row-MY-sin ESS-toe-late)

COMMON ERYTHROMYCIN ESTOLATE BRAND NAME(S):
Ilosone

ERYTHROMYCIN ESTOLATE SIDE EFFECTS:
May cause stomach upset, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become severe, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if any of the following rare side effects occur: dark urine, pale stools, severe stomach pain, unusual tiredness or weakness, yellowing of the eyes or skin. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE ERYTHROMYCIN ESTOLATE:
ERYTHROMYCIN ESTOLATE: ERYTHROMYCIN ESTOLATE may be taken with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. Shake liquid well before using. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Continue to take ERYTHROMYCIN ESTOLATE until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.

ERYTHROMYCIN ESTOLATE WARNING:
Erythromycin estolate may cause liver problems. This medication must not be used if you already have liver problems. Stop using ERYTHROMYCIN ESTOLATE and notify your doctor immediately if you develop: nausea, vomiting, dark urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, fever, severe stomach/abdominal pain, unusual fatigue.

ERYTHROMYCIN ESTOLATE USES:
Erythromycin is an antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections.

ERYTHROMYCIN ESTOLATE PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver disease/jaundice, allergies (especially drug allergies). Use of ERYTHROMYCIN ESTOLATE for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection) Caution is advised when ERYTHROMYCIN ESTOLATE is used in infants. Though very unlikely to happen, a stomach problem called IHPS has been noted. Contact your child's doctor immediately if the child has persistent vomiting or increased irritability. ERYTHROMYCIN ESTOLATE should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Small amounts of drug do appear in breast milk, so consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

ERYTHROMYCIN ESTOLATE DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all the drugs you may use (prescription and nonprescription), especially of the following: carbamazepine, cyclosporine, theophylline, certain benzodiazepines (e.g., midazolam, triazolam), warfarin, terfenadine, astemizole, felodipine (a calcium channel blocker), cisapride, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), digoxin, pimozide, certain live vaccines, disopyramide, phenytoin, sparfloxacin (a quinolone antibiotic), all other antibiotics, drugs used for high cholesterol (e.g., lovastatin). ERYTHROMYCIN ESTOLATE may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Discuss using other methods of birth control with your doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

ERYTHROMYCIN ESTOLATE OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

ERYTHROMYCIN ESTOLATE NOTES:
ERYTHROMYCIN ESTOLATE has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection or give it to someone else. A different medication may be necessary.

MISSED ERYTHROMYCIN ESTOLATE DOSE:
If you should miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose.

ERYTHROMYCIN ESTOLATE STORAGE:
Store according to directions on package. Do not freeze. Check the expiration date of your prescription and discard any unused portion after that date or after your doctor tells you to stop taking it.