PCE

Drug Name: PCE

PCE DESCRIPTION:
ERYTHROMYCIN BASE ENTERIC, ERYTHROMYCIN ETHYLSUCCINATE-ORAL (eh-rith-row-MY-sin base/ETH-ill-SUX-in-ate)

COMMON PCE BRAND NAME(S):
E.E.S., E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, Eryc, PCE

PCE 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 or 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 or trouble breathing. Use of PCE 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 PCE:
PCE: Swallow medication whole to prevent stomach upset. May be taken with food or milk if stomach upset does occur. 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 PCE 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.

PCE USES:
Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections.

PCE PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of liver disease/jaundice, and of any allergies you may have. Caution is advised when PCE 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. PCE should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Small amounts of drug appear in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

PCE 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; certain drugs for high cholesterol (e.g., lovastatin). PCE 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.

PCE 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.

PCE NOTES:
PCE 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 PCE 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.

PCE STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.