Mayne Pharma Erythromycin (Erythromycin)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Mayne Pharma Erythromycin Used For?
Mayne Pharma Erythromycin contains erythromycin, an antibiotic that belongs to a group of medicines called macrolides. It is prescribed to treat bacterial infections and prevent certain infections in specific patient groups.
Primary Uses
This medication treats infections in different parts of the body caused by bacteria. It is also used to prevent infections in patients with a history of rheumatic disease who may be allergic to penicillin.
How It Works
This medicine works by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria which cause infections. It will not work against viral infections such as colds or flu.
Good to know: This medicine is not addictive.
How to Take Mayne Pharma Erythromycin
Your doctor will determine the right dose for you based on your condition and other medicines you may be taking. Always follow your doctor’s instructions exactly.
Dosage Instructions
For treating most infections, the usual adult dose is one 250 mg capsule four times a day (every 6 hours) or two 250 mg capsules twice a day (every 12 hours). For long-term prevention of streptococcal infections in persons with rheumatic heart disease and penicillin allergy, the usual dose is one 250 mg capsule twice a day. Swallow capsules whole with a full glass of water. Do not chew or crush the capsule. Take on an empty stomach – one hour before food or two hours after food, as food can interfere with absorption.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then go back to taking your medicine normally. If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed. This may increase the chance of getting unwanted side effects.
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:
- mild stomach upsets such as feeling sick
- diarrhoea
- mild stomach pains
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice)
- difficulty hearing
- hallucinations or confusion
- increasingly poor appetite
- allergic reaction signs (rash, itching, hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue, breathing difficulties)
- chest pain
- changes in heart rhythm or rate
- convulsions (fits)
- watery and severe diarrhoea (may be bloody)
- severe abdominal cramps, stomach cramps or pain
- serious skin reaction (red, scaly rash with bumps and blisters)
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where this medication should not be used or requires special caution.
Who Should Not Take Mayne Pharma Erythromycin
Do not use if you are allergic to erythromycin or any ingredients. Do not use if you have severe liver problems. Do not use if you have ever had changes in heart rhythm or rate, or electrolyte disturbances. Do not use if taking cisapride, pimozide, ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, astemizole, terfenadine, certain irregular heartbeat medicines, or cholesterol medicines like lovastatin, simvastatin, and atorvastatin.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have liver problems, irregular or very slow heartbeat, myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness condition), allergies to other medicines, or need surgical procedures (not suitable before gastrointestinal or genital/urinary surgery).
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Talk to your doctor if breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed. The active ingredient may cross the placenta and is excreted in breast milk. Some studies have reported heart defects following erythromycin use in early pregnancy. Should only be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding if clearly needed.
Elderly Patients: If you are over 65 years of age you may have an increased chance of getting side effects.
Drug Interactions
Many medicines can interact with Mayne Pharma Erythromycin. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines, vitamins, or supplements you are taking.
Birth Control: May decrease effectiveness of some birth control pills. Your doctor may advise additional contraception methods while taking this medicine and for seven days after finishing the course.
- theophylline (asthma medicine)
- methylprednisolone or other corticosteroids
- epilepsy medicines (carbamazepine, phenytoin, valproate)
- alfentanil (pain relief/anaesthesia)
- digoxin (heart medicine)
- irregular heartbeat medicines (quinidine, disopyramide, procainamide, amiodarone, sotalol)
- rheumatoid arthritis medicines
- malaria medicines (hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine)
- blood pressure/angina medicines (verapamil, amlodipine, diltiazem)
- sleep/anxiety medicines (alprazolam, triazolam, midazolam)
- blood clot prevention medicines (warfarin, rivaroxaban)
- organ transplant medicines (cyclosporin, tacrolimus)
- cholesterol medicines (lovastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin)
- antibiotics (clindamycin, lincomycin, penicillin, rifabutin)
- antifungal medicines (ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole)
- colchicine (gout medicine)
- migraine medicines (ergotamine, dihydroergotamine)
- pimozide (psychiatric medicine)
- cisapride (digestive system medicine)
- astemizole or terfenadine (allergy medicines)
- bromocriptine (Parkinson’s medicine)
- sildenafil (impotence medicine)
- vinblastine (cancer medicine)
- cimetidine (stomach medicine)
- zopiclone (sleeping medicine)
- contraceptive pill (may decrease effectiveness)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with alcohol and driving while taking this medication, as it may affect some people differently.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Mayne Pharma Erythromycin affects you. This medicine generally does not cause problems with driving ability, but may cause dizziness in some people. If dizziness occurs, do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything that could be dangerous.
Storage
Keep capsules in the original pack until time to take them. Store in a cool, dry place where temperature stays below 25°C. Do not store in bathroom, near sink, in car, or on windowsills. Keep where children cannot reach – a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above ground is recommended. If your doctor tells you to stop or the expiry date has passed, take leftover medicine to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too many capsules, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if there are no signs of discomfort. Overdose symptoms may include feeling sick, vomiting, diarrhoea, hearing problems, or other serious effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should see improvement in your symptoms within a few days. However, it’s important to complete the full course of treatment (usually 1-2 weeks) even if you feel better, to ensure the infection is completely cleared.
No, you should take this medicine on an empty stomach – either one hour before food or two hours after food. Food can interfere with the absorption of this medicine.
No, this medicine is not addictive.
Do not stop taking your medicine or lower the dosage because you are feeling better, unless advised by your doctor. If you don’t complete the full course, the bacteria causing your infection may not be completely killed and your infection may not clear completely or may return.
You should tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. While not specifically prohibited, it’s important to discuss alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Elderly patients (over 65 years) may have an increased chance of getting side effects, so extra monitoring may be needed. Always consult with your doctor about the risks and benefits.
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.