Erythromycin in Australia: what to know about access, use and safety

Erythromycin is a common macrolide antibiotic used for chest infections, skin infections, some eye infections, and as an alternative if you’re allergic to penicillin. If you're in Australia and need erythromycin, here's what matters: how to get it legally, common forms and how people take it, safety issues, and practical tips for buying or using it.

How to get erythromycin in Australia

Antibiotics like erythromycin require a prescription from a doctor or an authorised prescriber. You can get a script from your GP, a walk-in clinic, or via a telehealth consultation. Australian online pharmacies will only dispense erythromycin if you supply a valid prescription; reputable services will ask for one and show their pharmacy registration and contact details. Be wary of overseas sites offering antibiotics without a prescription — they may send the wrong dose, counterfeit pills, or break import rules.

Erythromycin comes as tablets, capsules, oral liquids, topical creams and eye ointments. The exact dose and how long you take it depend on the infection. Typical courses usually run from about five days up to two weeks, sometimes longer for more stubborn infections. Follow your prescriber’s instructions and finish the full course unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Cost and checking legitimacy: Ask your pharmacist if a generic is available — they usually cost less. Look up approvals on the TGA website and check if the pharmacy displays its Australian registration. Keep your prescription and receipt; they help if a medicine causes side effects or a pharmacist needs to trace a batch.

Side effects and interactions to watch for

Common side effects include nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some people experience a metallic taste or mild skin rash. More serious problems are rare but can include liver issues, significant allergic reactions, and changes in heart rhythm (QT prolongation) that may cause dizziness or fainting. Erythromycin interacts with several medicines — tell your doctor about statins, blood thinners like warfarin, certain anti-arrhythmics, and any herbal or over-the-counter products.

Take erythromycin exactly as prescribed and check whether to take it with food or on an empty stomach — different preparations behave differently. Don’t stop early when you feel better; stopping can lead to relapse or resistance. Store the medicine away from heat and moisture and keep liquids measured with the original spoon or cup. Avoid sharing antibiotics with others.

If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, elderly or have liver disease, discuss risks and benefits with your prescriber. In many cases erythromycin is chosen when alternatives are inappropriate, but the decision should be personalised.

Seek immediate care if you have signs of a severe allergic reaction (hives, swelling, trouble breathing), severe diarrhea, yellowing skin or eyes, fainting, or chest pain.

Need more help? Ask your GP or pharmacist to walk you through why erythromycin was chosen, how to take it, and what to watch for.