erythromycin reference
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(erythromycin · DailyMed)
Registered Malawi · PMRA

ERYTHRONOVA DR 250MG DELAYED RELEASE TABLET

GASTRO RESISTANT ERYTHROMYCIN

PMPB/PL31/85 DELAYED RELEASE TABLET dermatologicals INN generic

What it does

Erythromycin is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections.

Commonly used for: bacterial infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, skin infections …

Read more in plain English ↓

Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.

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Answers come only from this medicine's registration record, BNF monograph and interaction data - not medical advice.

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Registration & product details

Registration no.
PMPB/PL31/85
Registration date
13/09/2018
Expiry date
31/03/2025
Status
Registered
Active ingredient
GASTRO RESISTANT ERYTHROMYCIN
Strength
-
Pack size
-
Therapeutic class
-
ATC class (WHO)
D10AF - Antiinfectives for treatment of acne
Drug group
DERMATOLOGICALS
RxNorm RxCUI
4053
Manufacturer / MAH
-
Applicant / LTR
-
Country of origin
-

Source: Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-04-21 17:37:40 · updated 2026-09-29 04:33:05

Drug Interactions

151
Check interactions

Pharmacodynamic Warnings

Erythromycin appears in TABLE 9: Drugs that prolong the QT interval

Severe (14)

Antipsychotics, Second Generation - increases exposure

Erythromycin is predicted to increase the exposure to antipsychotics, second generation (cariprazine). Avoid.

Severe Study

Cariprazine - increases exposure

Erythromycin is predicted to increase the exposure to antipsychotics, second generation (cariprazine). Avoid.

Severe Study

Eletriptan - increases exposure

Erythromycin moderately increases the exposure to triptans (eletriptan). Avoid.

Severe Study

Ergometrine - increases risk of ergotism

Macrolides (clarithromycin) are predicted to increase the risk of ergotism when given with ergometrine. Avoid.

Severe Theoretical

Ergotamine - increases risk of ergotism

Macrolides (clarithromycin) are predicted to increase the risk of ergotism when given with ergotamine. Avoid.

Severe Theoretical

Moderate (38)

Alfentanil - increases exposure

Erythromycinispredictedtoincreasetheexposuretoopioids (alfentanil,buprenorphine,fentanyl,oxycodone).Monitorand adjustdose.oStudy com/codemedicalapps/ cal Applications)

Moderate Study

Amlodipine - increases exposure

Erythromycin is predicted to increase the exposure to calcium channel blockers (amlodipine, felodipine, lacidipine, lercanidipine, nicardipine, nifedipine, nimodipine). Monitor and adjust dose.

Moderate Study

Antiarrhythmics - increases exposure

Erythromycin is predicted to increase the exposure to antiarrhythmics (propafenone). Monitor and adjust dose.

Moderate Study

Antiepileptics - increases concentration

Erythromycin markedly increases the concentration of antiepileptics (carbamazepine). Monitor concentration and adjust dose.

Moderate Study

Atorvastatin - increases exposure

Erythromycins slightly increases the exposure to statins (atorvastatin). Monitor and adjust dose.

Moderate Study

Unknown (99)

Abemaciclib - increases exposure

Erythromycin is predicted to increase the exposure to abemaciclib.

Unknown Study

Acalabrutinib - increases exposure

Erythromycin is predicted to increase the exposure to acalabrutinib. Avoid or monitor.

Unknown Study

Afatinib - increases exposure

Macrolides are predicted to increase the exposure to afatinib.

Unknown Study

Alphablockers - increases exposure

Erythromycin is predicted to increase the exposure to alpha blockers (tamsulosin).

Unknown Theoretical

Alprazolam - increases exposure

Erythromycin is predicted to increase the exposure to benzodiazepines (alprazolam).

Unknown Study

Data from BNF 85 (British National Formulary). This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Matched via: exact

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (Malawi). Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any medication.

About erythromycin

Erythromycin is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections.

What it treats

  • bacterial infections
  • bronchitis
  • pneumonia
  • skin infections
  • ear infections

How it works

It works by stopping the growth of bacteria, helping the body to fight off infections.

Who it's for

It is suitable for adults and children who have certain bacterial infections.

Drug class

Macrolides

Cautions

  • • Be careful if you are taking other medications that can affect heart rhythm.

AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.

About gastro

Gastro is a medication used to help with digestive issues.

What it treats

  • indigestion
  • upset stomach
  • gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

How it works

Gastro works by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach, which helps relieve discomfort and promotes healing.

Who it's for

Gastro is suitable for adults and children who experience digestive problems.

Cautions

  • • Consult a doctor if you have kidney issues.
  • • Avoid using if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.

AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.

About resistant

Resistant is a medication that may be used for various health conditions as determined by a healthcare provider.

How it works

The exact way resistant works in the body is not specified, but it helps manage certain health conditions.

Who it's for

This medication may be prescribed for individuals with specific medical needs as assessed by a healthcare professional.

AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.

Clinical monograph: Erythromycin

BNF-referenced

Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic effective against a range of bacterial infections. It works primarily by inhibiting protein synthesis in susceptible bacteria, making it a valuable choice for patients with penicillin hypersensitivity. Erythromycin is commonly used in treating respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and various other bacterial infections, including those caused by organisms like Propionibacterium acnes.

Indications

  • Bacterial infections
  • Acute otitis media
  • Community-acquired pneumonia
  • Skin and soft tissue infections
  • Campylobacter enteritis
  • Pertussis
  • Syphilis (early stage)
  • Chlamydia infections
  • Impetigo
  • Secondary bacterial infection of eczema

Dosage

Children: Child 1–23 months: 125 mg 4 times a day. Child 2–7 years: 250 mg 4 times a

Adults: 500 mg 4 times a day for 5 days, or alternatively 250–500 mg 4 times a day for 5–7 days.

Mechanism of action

Erythromycin exerts its antibacterial effect by binding to the 23S ribosomal RNA in the 50S subunit of bacterial ribosomes. This binding inhibits the transpeptidation and translocation steps of protein synthesis, effectively halting bacterial growth. The drug has a strong affinity for bacterial ribosomes, which contributes to its broad-spectrum activity against various pathogens.

Pharmacodynamics

Erythromycin acts as a bacteriostatic agent, preventing bacterial growth by inhibiting protein synthesis. It is effective against many strains of bacteria, although susceptibility testing is recommended due to increasing resistance. Notably, erythromycin does not impact nucleic acid synthesis and may lead to complications such as pseudomembranous colitis or hepatotoxicity in some patients.

Pharmacokinetics

Erythromycin is well-absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with bioavailability affected by food. It is widely distributed in body tissues, with higher concentrations in the lungs and liver. The drug undergoes hepatic metabolism and is primarily excreted in bile, with a small amount eliminated through urine. Erythromycin's half-life varies but generally ranges from 1.5 to 2 hours.

Contra-indications

  • Hypersensitivity to erythromycin or any component of the formulation
  • History of cholestatic jaundice or hepatic dysfunction associated with prior use of erythromycin

Adverse effects

  • Gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
  • Cholestatic jaundice
  • Hepatotoxicity
  • Skin rashes
  • QT interval prolongation
  • Tinnitus
  • Hearing loss (reversible)
  • Pseudomembranous colitis

Interactions

  • Erythromycin may significantly increase the exposure to certain drugs such as antipsychotics, simvastatin, and triptans due to its effect on cytochrome P450 enzymes
  • Caution with concurrent use of drugs that prolong the QT interval
  • Moderate interaction with aminophylline (decreases exposure)

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment or pre-existing liver disease
  • Monitor for signs of pseudomembranous colitis in patients with diarrhea following antibiotic use
  • Assess for potential drug interactions due to the impact on CYP450 metabolism

Pregnancy

Erythromycin crosses the placenta. It is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy, particularly for treating infections when no alternatives are available, but should be used with caution.

Breast-feeding

Erythromycin is excreted in breast milk. While generally considered safe, the infant should be monitored for potential side effects. Consult healthcare providers for specific recommendations.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children. Check specific product information for any temperature requirements.

Formulations

  • Oral suspension (125 mg/5 ml)
  • Tablets (250 mg and 500 mg)
  • Injectable solution (various strengths for intravenous administration)
BNF 85 (British National Formulary) p.614 BNF for Children 2019-2020 p.363 PubChem / pathway

AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.

Clinical monograph: gastro

BNF-referenced

Gastro is an agent that is primarily used to manage conditions related to excess stomach acid, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcers. It acts by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach, thereby alleviating symptoms associated with acid-related disorders. The molecular formula of Gastro is C8H15N7O2S3.

Indications

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Peptic ulcers
  • Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
  • Dyspepsia

Dosage

Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific paediatric dosing information.

Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific dosing information and adjustments based on clinical indications.

Mechanism of action

Gastro works by selectively inhibiting the action of histamine at the H2 receptor sites in the gastric parietal cells. This inhibition reduces gastric acid secretion in response to food intake and other stimuli, leading to a decrease in both basal and stimulated acid secretion.

Pharmacodynamics

The pharmacodynamic effects of Gastro are primarily related to its ability to decrease gastric acidity. By inhibiting histamine action at the H2 receptors, it reduces the volume and concentration of gastric acid. This results in an increased pH level in the gastric lumen, which helps to promote healing of ulcerated tissue and alleviate symptoms such as heartburn and acid indigestion.

Pharmacokinetics

Gastro is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 1 to 3 hours after oral administration. It has a bioavailability of approximately 40% due to first-pass metabolism. The drug is primarily excreted in the urine, with a half-life of about 2 to 3 hours. Adjustments in dosing may be necessary in patients with renal impairment due to altered clearance.

Adverse effects

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fatigue

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with renal impairment
  • Monitor for potential allergic reactions
  • Consider dosage adjustments in elderly patients

Pregnancy

Safety in pregnancy has not been established; use only if clearly needed.

Breast-feeding

Excreted in breast milk; caution is advised.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from light. Keep out of reach of children.

Formulations

  • Tablets
  • Oral suspension

AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.

Clinical monograph: resistant

Resistant refers to the reduced effectiveness of a medication, particularly antibiotics, against specific bacteria or pathogens. This phenomenon occurs when bacteria evolve mechanisms that protect them from the effects of drugs, rendering standard treatments ineffective. Resistance can be intrinsic, where a bacterium is naturally resistant to a drug, or acquired, where it develops resistance through mutations or horizontal gene transfer.

Indications

  • Bacterial infections
  • Tuberculosis
  • HIV-associated infections
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Respiratory infections

Dosage

Children: Refer to pediatric dosing guidelines based on specific antibiotic and condition.

Adults: Refer to specific antibiotic guidelines and local resistance patterns for appropriate dosing.

Mechanism of action

The mechanism of action varies depending on the type of antibiotic. Generally, antibiotics target specific bacterial processes, such as cell wall synthesis, protein synthesis, or nucleic acid metabolism. In cases of resistance, bacteria may employ efflux pumps to expel the drug, modify the drug's target site, or produce enzymes that inactivate the antibiotic.

Pharmacodynamics

Pharmacodynamics involves the relationship between the drug concentration and its effect on bacteria. The effectiveness of an antibiotic can be influenced by its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the time or concentration that remains above this threshold. In resistant strains, higher concentrations or prolonged exposure may be required to achieve a therapeutic effect, which can lead to increased toxicity and adverse effects.

Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacokinetics refers to the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of antibiotics. Resistance can affect the pharmacokinetic profile of a drug, as altered permeability or increased efflux may reduce drug concentration at the site of action. Understanding the pharmacokinetics of both the antibiotic and the resistant bacteria is crucial for effective treatment planning.

Pregnancy

Consult healthcare provider. The effects of resistant strains during pregnancy may vary based on the specific infection and required treatment.

Breast-feeding

Consult healthcare provider. The safety of treating resistant infections during breastfeeding depends on the specific medication used.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Ensure the medication is kept out of reach of children.

AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.

Molecular reference: Erythromycin

PubChem CID 12560

Molecular formula: C37H67NO13

Mechanism of action

In order to replicate, bacteria require a specific process of protein synthesis, enabled by ribosomal proteins. Erythromycin acts by inhibition of protein synthesis by binding to the 23S ribosomal RNA molecule in the 50S subunit of ribosomes in susceptible bacterial organisms. It stops bacterial protein synthesis by inhibiting the transpeptidation/translocation step of protein synthesis and by inhibiting the assembly of the 50S ribosomal subunit. This results in the control of various bacterial infections. The strong affinity of macrolides, including erythromycin, for bacterial ribosomes, supports their broad‐spectrum antibacterial activities. Macrolide antibiotics are bacteriostatic agents that inhibit protein synthesis by binding reversibly to 50S ribosomal subunits of sensitive microorganisms, at or very near the site that binds chloramphenicol. Erythromycin does not inhibit peptide bond formation per se, but rather inhibits the translocation step wherein a newly synthesized peptidyl tRNA molecule moves from the acceptor site on the ribosome to the peptidyl donor site. Gram-positive bacteria accumulate about 100 times more erythromycin than do gram-negative bacteria. Cells are considerably more permeable to the un-ionized form of the drug, which probably explains the increased antimicrobial activity at alkaline pH. ... /Erythromycin/ inhibits the growth of susceptible organisms (principally Propionibacterium acnes) on the surface of the skin and reduces the concn of free fatty acids in sebum ... The reduction in free fatty acids in sebum may be an indirect result of the inhibition of lipase-producing organisms which convert triglycerides into free fatty acids or may be a direct result of interference with lipase production in these organisms. /In acne treatment regimens/ Although stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) via its cognate receptor CXCR4 is assumed to play a critical role in migration of endothelial cells during new vessel formation after tissue injury, CXCR4 expression on endothelial cells is strictly regulated. Erythromycin (EM), a 14-membered ring macrolide, has an anti-inflammatory effect that may account for its clinical benefit in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. However, the effects of EM on endothelial cells and especially their expression of CXCR4 have not been fully evaluated. In this study, we demonstrated that EM markedly induced CXCR4 surface expression on microvascular endothelial cells in vitro and lung capillary endothelial cells in vivo. This ability to induce CXCR4 surface expression on endothelial cells was restricted to 14-membered ring macrolides and was not observed in other antibiotics including a 16-membered ring macrolide, josamycin. Furthermore, this EM-induced expression of CXCR4 on endothelial cells was functionally significant as demonstrated by chemotaxis assays in vitro. These findings suggest that EM-induced CXCR4 surface expression on endothelial cells may promote migration of CXCR4-expressing endothelial cells into sites of tissue injury, which may be associated with the known anti-inflammatory activity of this macrolide.

Pharmacodynamics

Macrolides, such as erythromycin, stop bacterial growth by inhibiting protein synthesis and translation, treating bacterial infections. Erythromycin does not exert effects on nucleic acid synthesis. This drug has been shown to be active against most strains of the following microorganisms, effectively treating both in vitro and clinical infections. Despite this, it is important to perform bacterial susceptibility testing before administering this antibiotic, as resistance is a common issue that may affect treatment. **A note on antimicrobial resistance, pseudomembranous colitis, and hepatotoxicity** Many strains of Haemophilus influenzae are resistant to erythromycin alone but are found to be susceptible to erythromycin and sulfonamides used in combination. It is important to note that Staphylococci that are resistant to erythromycin may emerge during erythromycin and/or sulfonamide therapy. Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with most antibacterial agents, including erythromycin, and may range in severity from mild to life-threatening. Therefore, the physician should consider this diagnosis in patients with diarrhea after the administration of antibacterial agents. Erythromycin can cause hepatic dysfunction, cholestatic jaundice, and abnormal liver transaminases, particularly when erythromycin estolate is administered.

Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.

Molecular reference: gastro

PubChem CID 3325

Molecular formula: C8H15N7O2S3

Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.

This drug in other countries

The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.