E-Mycin (Erythromycin)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is E-Mycin Used For?
E-Mycin contains erythromycin, an antibiotic from the macrolide group that works by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria that cause infections or worsen acne.
Primary Uses
E-Mycin is used to treat certain bacterial infections, control acne (in addition to other acne treatments), and prevent infections in people with heart valve disease who are allergic to penicillin antibiotics.
How It Works
E-Mycin works by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria that cause infections or make acne worse. It will not work against viral infections like colds or flu.
Good to know: There is no evidence that E-Mycin is addictive.
How to Take E-Mycin
Follow all directions given by your doctor and pharmacist carefully, as they may differ from general information. Take doses evenly spaced throughout the day at about the same time each day.
Dosage Instructions
The usual adult dose is one 400 mg tablet every six hours, but this may vary. Your doctor will adjust the amount based on the infection being treated and its severity. For tablets: swallow whole with water. For mixture: shake well before measuring with a proper medicine measure. Can be taken with or without food, though taking with food may reduce stomach upset.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Stomach cramps and pains
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Headache
- Oral thrush (white, furry tongue and mouth)
- Vaginal thrush (itching, discharge)
- Weight loss
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Yellowing of eyes or skin (jaundice)
- Severe stomach cramps
- Poor appetite and feeling unwell
- Hearing loss or ringing in ears
- Fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Muscle pain and weakness
- Dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations
- Serious skin rash with blisters
- Vision problems
- Allergic reactions (skin rash, swelling, breathing difficulties)
- Severe or bloody diarrhea
Important Warnings
E-Mycin has several important contraindications and precautions that must be considered before starting treatment.
Who Should Not Take E-Mycin
Do not take if you are allergic to erythromycin or other macrolide antibiotics (clarithromycin, roxithromycin), have severe liver disease, heart rhythm disorders, irregular heartbeat, severe chronic heart failure, or unbalanced electrolyte levels. Also avoid if taking certain medications including terfenadine, astemizole, cisapride, pimozide, domperidone, certain antiarrhythmics, simvastatin, lovastatin, atorvastatin, or ergotamine.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have liver problems, heart problems, myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness condition), eye disorders, or pneumonia. Also inform them of any allergies to medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking E-Mycin during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Many medications can interfere with E-Mycin and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
- Blood thinners (warfarin, acenocoumarol)
- Epilepsy medicines (phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, valproate)
- Asthma medicine (theophylline)
- Heart/blood pressure medicines (diltiazem, verapamil, felodipine, digoxin)
- Ulcer medicines (omeprazole, cimetidine)
- Immune system medicines (ciclosporin, tacrolimus)
- Sleep medicines (triazolam, zopiclone, midazolam)
- Antidepressants (nefazodone, St. John’s Wort)
- Anxiety medicine (alprazolam)
- Steroids (methylprednisolone)
- Antifungal medicines (ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole)
- Other antibiotics (rifabutin, rifampicin, clindamycin)
- Pain medicines (alfentanil, opiates)
- Allergy medicines (fenofexadine, mizolastine, ebastine)
Alcohol & Driving
Exercise caution with alcohol consumption and driving while taking E-Mycin.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Discuss any potential interactions or precautions.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines or tools until you know how E-Mycin affects you, as it may cause dizziness or drowsiness.
Storage
Store E-Mycin tablets below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Store E-Mycin mixture in the refrigerator but not in the freezer. Keep out of reach of children in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground. Do not use mixture after 10 days from preparation date.
Overdose Information
If you think you or anyone else has taken too much E-Mycin, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Contact the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia), your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if there are no symptoms. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, or hearing problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or become worse, tell your doctor. For infections, E-Mycin is usually taken for one to two weeks, while for acne control, it’s normally taken for a few months.
Yes, E-Mycin can be taken with or without food. However, taking it with food may help reduce the chance of stomach upset occurring.
No, there is no evidence that E-Mycin is addictive.
Do not stop taking E-Mycin, even if you feel better after a few days, unless advised by your doctor. If you stop too soon, the infection may not clear completely or your symptoms may return.
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Your doctor can advise you about any potential interactions or precautions while taking E-Mycin.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. Never take a double dose.
No, do not give E-Mycin to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you. The medication should only be used by the person it was prescribed for.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.