How long before erythromycin works

If your child is taking liquid erythromycin, measure the dose with the special spoon or syringe that the pharmacist gave you. Shake the bottle of erythromycin well before you give your child each dose. If your child is getting the ophthalmic eye ointment, a 1 cm ribbon should be placed on the inside of the lower eyelid. Then, your child should close their eyes and the eyelids can be massaged gently to spread the ointment and any excess wiped away.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more detailed instructions. If your child is getting the topical gel product, the area should be cleaned before applying a thin film of medication. The person applying the medication should wash their hands before and after application. The injection is usually given in a hospital clinic or nursing unit by a nurse.

What to do for a missed dose. What should you do if your child misses a dose of erythromycin? Give your child the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Give the next dose at the regular time.

Do not give your child two doses to make up for one missed dose. How long does it take to work. How long does erythromycin take to work? Side effects. What are the possible side effects of erythromycin? Check with your child's doctor if your child continues to have any of these side effects, and they do not go away, or they bother your child: stomach belly pain or heartburn upset stomach including watery bowel movements diarrhea or throwing up Topical applications can cause redness, tenderness, dryness, and a mild rash at the site of application.

Call your child's doctor during office hours if your child has a mild skin rash or itchy skin. How to take it Swallow erythromycin tablets or capsules whole with a drink of water. What if I forget to take it? What if I take too much? Information for parents and carers If your baby is vomiting or very irritable after feeding, stop giving them erythromycin and contact your doctor, midwife or health visitor for advice.

Common side effects These common side effects of erythromycin happen in more than 1 in people. Keep taking the medicine, but talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or don't go away: feeling sick nausea being sick vomiting and diarrhoea stomach cramps loss of appetite bloating and indigestion Serious side effects Serious side effects are rare and happen in less than 1 in 1, people. Call a doctor straight away if you get: chest pains or your heart is beating abnormally skin rash severe stomach pain - this can be a sign of pancreas problems yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes, or pale poo with dark pee - these can be signs of liver or gallbladder problems seizures hallucinations seeing or hearing things that aren't there ringing in the ears, temporary hearing loss, or feeling unsteady on your feet a temperature of 38C and above Serious allergic reaction In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis to erythromycin.

What to do about: feeling sick nausea - stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food while you're taking this medicine. It might help to take your erythromycin with a meal or snack. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having strong-smelling pee. Do not take any other medicines without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor. It can help to eat and drink slowly and have smaller and more frequent meals. Putting a heat pad or covered hot water bottle on your stomach may also help.

If you are in a lot of pain, speak to your pharmacist or doctor. If it helps, eat smaller meals more often than usual. Snack when you're hungry. Eat smaller meals, eat and drink slowly, and exercise regularly. Pharmacy medicines like simethicone can also help. Important For safety, tell your doctor if you're trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or if you're breastfeeding.

There are some medicines that don't mix well with erythromycin. Tell your doctor if you're taking these medicines before you start erythromycin: antihistamine medicines, such as astemizole, terfenadine or mizolastine an anti-sickness medicine called domperidone medicines for mental health problems called pimozide and amisulpride migraine medicines called ergotamine and dihrydroergotamine a cholesterol-lowering medicine called simvastatin a bladder weakness medicine called tolterodine rivaroxaban a blood thinner - erythromycin can increase the risk of bleeding Mixing erythromycin with herbal remedies and supplements There are no known problems with taking herbal remedies or supplements alongside erythromycin.

Important: Medicine safety Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines, vitamins or supplements. How does erythromycin work? When will I feel better? Can I drink alcohol with it?

Will it give me thrush? Ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice if this happens to you. If you're at high risk of these problems, you may need regular testing to monitor your levels of:. Drugs that can have major harmful interactions with erythromycin include:. Common drugs that may have moderate interactions with erythromycin include:.

Talk to your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and vitamins that you currently take. While some drugs pose minor interaction risks, others may outright contraindicate use or prompt careful consideration. Dealing with acne can be frustrating. Our free guide provides expert tips to help you take control. Sign up and get yours today.

Prescribers' Digital Reference. Erythromycin - Drug summary. Baldwin H. Oral antibiotic treatment options for acne vulgaris.

J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. National Institutes of Health, U. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus. Updated September 15, Updated April Treatment of acne in pregnancy. J Am Board Fam Med. Erythromycin, QTc interval prolongation, and torsade de pointes: Case reports, major risk factors and illness severity.

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Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take erythromycin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

If you are taking the suspension, do not use a household spoon to measure your dose. Use the measuring spoon, dropper, or cup that came with the medication or use a spoon made especially for measuring medication. Continue to take erythromycin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking erythromycin without talking to your doctor. Erythromycin is also used sometimes used to prevent heart infection in people having dental or other procedures.

Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition. This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.

Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture not in the bathroom. It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily.