Erythromycin
Antibiotic medication / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Erythromycin is an antibiotic used for the treatment of a number of bacterial infections.[1] This includes respiratory tract infections, skin infections, chlamydia infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, and syphilis.[1] It may also be used during pregnancy to prevent Group B streptococcal infection in the newborn,[1] and to improve delayed stomach emptying.[3] It can be given intravenously and by mouth.[1] An eye ointment is routinely recommended after delivery to prevent eye infections in the newborn.[4]
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| Trade names | Eryc, Erythrocin, others[1] |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
| MedlinePlus | a682381 |
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| Routes of administration | By mouth, intravenous, intramuscular, topical, eye drops |
| Drug class | Macrolide antibiotic |
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| Bioavailability | Depends on the ester type; between 30% and 65% |
| Protein binding | 90% |
| Metabolism | Liver (under 5% excreted unchanged) |
| Elimination half-life | 1.5 hours |
| Excretion | Bile |
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| ECHA InfoCard | 100.003.673  |
| Chemical and physical data | |
| Formula | C37H67NO13 |
| Molar mass | 733.937 g·mol−1 |
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Common side effects include abdominal cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea.[1] More serious side effects may include Clostridium difficile colitis, liver problems, prolonged QT, and allergic reactions.[1] It is generally safe in those who are allergic to penicillin.[1] Erythromycin also appears to be safe to use during pregnancy.[2] While generally regarded as safe during breastfeeding, its use by the mother during the first two weeks of life may increase the risk of pyloric stenosis in the baby.[5][6] This risk also applies if taken directly by the baby during this age.[7] It is in the macrolide family of antibiotics and works by decreasing bacterial protein production.[1]
Erythromycin was first isolated in 1952 from the bacteria Saccharopolyspora erythraea.[1][8] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[9] In 2021, it was the 259th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 1 million prescriptions.[10][11]