ERYTHROMYCIN STEARATE

Drug Name: ERYTHROMYCIN STEARATE

ERYTHROMYCIN STEARATE DESCRIPTION:
ERYTHROMYCIN BASE, ERYTHROMYCIN STEARATE - ORAL TABLET (eh-rith-row-MY-sin STEER-ate)

COMMON ERYTHROMYCIN STEARATE BRAND NAME(S):
Erythrocin

ERYTHROMYCIN STEARATE 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 you develop symptoms of jaundice such as: dark urine, clay-colored stools, yellowing of 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. Use of ERYTHROMYCIN STEARATE for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection) If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE ERYTHROMYCIN STEARATE:
ERYTHROMYCIN STEARATE: ERYTHROMYCIN STEARATE is best taken on an empty stomach. It may be taken with food or milk if stomach upset occurs, however, this will reduce blood drug levels. Take each dose with a full glass of water or fluid. The medication must be swallowed whole to prevent stomach upset. 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 STEARATE 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 STEARATE USES:
Erythromycin is an antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections, such as respiratory tract infections, middle ear infections, and skin infections.

ERYTHROMYCIN STEARATE PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver disease/jaundice, any allergies. Caution is advised when ERYTHROMYCIN STEARATE 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 STEARATE 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 STEARATE 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; birth control pills; corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone); digoxin; pimozide; certain live vaccines; disopyramide; phenytoin; sparfloxacin (a quinolone antibiotic); all other antibiotics; drugs for high cholesterol (e.g., lovastatin). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

ERYTHROMYCIN STEARATE 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 STEARATE NOTES:
ERYTHROMYCIN STEARATE 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 STEARATE 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 STEARATE STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom.