Erythromycin: Uses, Side Effects & Practical Tips (June 2025)

Erythromycin is an antibiotic many doctors still prescribe for skin infections, chest infections, and some ear problems. It fights bacteria by stopping them from making proteins they need to grow. That makes it useful when penicillin is not an option or for patients allergic to penicillin.

How erythromycin works and common uses

Doctors in Australia commonly use erythromycin for acne, bronchitis, and some streptococcal infections. It comes as tablets, capsules, and liquid for children. Your doctor will pick the form and dose based on the infection type, age, and weight. A typical adult course lasts five to fourteen days depending on the illness.

Side effects, interactions, and practical tips

Common side effects include stomach upset, nausea, abdominal pain, and sometimes diarrhea. Take erythromycin with food if it upsets your stomach, unless your doctor says otherwise. Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking erythromycin — they can raise drug levels and increase side effects. Tell your doctor about other medicines you take, especially blood thinners, certain heart drugs, and some antipsychotics. Those can interact and change how your heart beats.

When to call a doctor

Stop the medicine and get urgent help if you develop severe allergic symptoms like swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, a rash, or fainting. Also seek medical advice if you get severe diarrhea, especially with fever or blood — that could be a sign of a serious gut infection.

Practical everyday tips

Set a phone alarm or use a pill box to avoid missed doses. Finish the full course, even if you feel better after a few days — stopping early can let bacteria come back stronger. If you vomit within an hour of taking a dose, check with your pharmacist or doctor about repeating it. Store erythromycin at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.

Special notes for parents and kids

Liquid erythromycin comes with a measuring spoon or syringe. Use that, not a kitchen teaspoon. Dosing for children is weight-based, so don’t guess doses. If a child refuses medicine, ask the pharmacist about mixing options that keep the correct dose.

What to expect from your visit

Your doctor may ask about past antibiotic use and allergies. They might choose erythromycin when other antibiotics aren’t suitable. If symptoms don’t improve within seventy-two hours of starting treatment, follow up so the diagnosis can be checked.

Quick recap

Erythromycin is a reliable option for several infections, but it can upset the stomach and interact with other drugs. Use reminders, finish the course, avoid grapefruit, and call your doctor for severe reactions or persistent symptoms.

In Australia you usually need a prescription to get erythromycin. Pharmacists can advise on dosing and side effects. Pregnant or breastfeeding? Tell your doctor — they’ll weigh risks and benefits and may pick a different antibiotic. Avoid sharing your medicine with others. Overuse of erythromycin can promote resistance, so only use it when a doctor prescribes it for a confirmed bacterial infection.