Generic Erythromycin

Erythromycin is a type of antibiotic whose effects are very similar to that of penicillin. In fact, it is usually used as treatment for people who are allergic to penicillin.

Erythromycin was discovered by a Filipino Scientist named Abelardo Aguilar. Upon sending his soil samples to Eli Lilly, the research team there was able to isolate Erythromycin.

Produced as a by product of the strain, actinomycete Saccharopolyspora erythraea, erythromycin is an effective treatment for a host of various conditions. For infections in the respiratory tract, erythromycin can fight a lot of atypical organisms like mycoplama and Legionellsis. It is also applicable to sexually transmitted diseases like Chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. It can even help manage acne breakout.

Basically, erythromycin works by preventing the bacterial RNA from replication. Once bound to the subunit of the bacterial ribosomal RNA, erythromycin prevents the transfer RNA from moving forward. As such, no new amino acids are made and there are no proteins that the bacteria can use for reproduction.

Once ingested, Erythromycin is quickly absorbed and distributed to the tissues and phagocytes. With the increased activity of the phagocytes, erythromycin is easily brought to the site of infection. Once phagocytosis occurs, large amounts of erythromycin is released.

Erythromycin comes in extended-release or enteric-coated tables. These tablets are designed to ensure that the substance is released into the body at a slow and controlled rate. As such, the patient must not attempt to crush, chew or break the casing of the tablet.

Do not crush, chew, or break the extended-release or enteric-coated tablet. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. The tablet may be taken either on a full or on an empty stomach. However, the patient must remember to drink a full glass of water after swallowing the tablet.

If you do not prefer pills, you may also take it via oral suspensions, ophthalmic solutions, ointments, gels, and injections.

Depending on the kind of infection you have, the doctor will specify the frequency and duration that you would need to take Erythromycin.

If you are suffering from any form of liver disease, taking erythromycin may aggravate your situation so consult with your doctor before proceeding with the treatment.

Moreover, if you are taking other medications, especially those that concern the heart, you must consult with your doctor first. This is because certain drugs may have negative interaction with erythromycin and lead to dangerous problems to the heart rhythm.

Also, erythromycin tends to affect the way our body metabolizes other drugs. As such, it is not advisable to take erythromycin with other drugs especially those like Lipitor, Zocor and Mevacor.

It is also advisable to inform your doctor of whatever herbal supplement you may be taking since this may also result to negative interactions of the drugs.

It is common for people to experience diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting while taking erythromycin.

It is also possible for you to be allergic to erythromycin itself. So if you experience symptoms like hives, rashes, difficulty of breathing and swelling in certain body parts, stop the medication and contact your healthcare professional.