ERYTHROMYCIN BASE (ERYTHROMYCIN)

Erythromycin Base Description

If you experience skin or respiratory tract infections caused by bacteria, your doctor may recommend treatment with Erythromycin Base or generic Erythromycin, a macrolide antibiotic that is also prescribed to treat chlamydia infections and syphilis. Your doctor will want to confirm that your infection is bacterial before you start taking Erythromycin Base as this drug will not work for viral or fungal infections. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

A macrolide antibiotic such as Erythromycin Base can be prescribed if you have sensitivity to penicillin. It’s important that you take Erythromycin Base as directed and for the treatment time specified, even if you feel better. If you stop taking the medication too early, the bacteria can possibly strike again or may develop resistance to this form of antibiotic.

Render Bacteria Unable to Mature and Multiply with Erythromycin

Erythromycin Base is a bacteriostatic medication, which means that it does not actually kill the bacteria but renders them unable to grow and reproduce. Erythromycin binds to sites of protein synthesis in the bacteria that are causing your discomfort. Bacteria must have proteins in order for their cells to make important physical structures, catalyzing enzymatic reactions, and other essential functions. When Erythromycin binds to where protein is made, the bacterial cells will not function so they are not able to mature and multiply. Bacteria numbers dwindle and your immune system also steps up to help clear your infection.

Conditions Treated by Erythromycin Base

Our bodies are home to multiple types of bacteria and, for the most part, we get along without much fuss. However, any scrape, scratch, cut, or break in your skin is an open invitation to a possible bacterial infection. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common bacteria that can find its way into your body and cause cellulitis, impetigo, boils, strep throat, sinusitis, and more.

Many staph infections will clear up on their own with proper care attention, while those with a compromised immune system, diabetes, lung disease, intravenous drug users, and breast feeding women are at a higher risk for a more serious infection and may have to see their doctor for medication to help battle the infection effectively.

Before Erythromycin Base is Prescribed

Ask your doctor about any risks when taking Erythromycin Base if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding. Tell your doctor about other medical conditions or allergies you have and list any current prescription drugs and over the counter medications you are taking, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements. This will help your doctor determine if Erythromycin Base is the right medication for you.

Precautions for Erythromycin Base

You should not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking Erythromycin Base. Grapefruit contains compounds that block certain enzymes in your body that could result in not being able to effectively break down the drug properly for elimination. This could cause an increase of the drug in your blood and create other side effects.

Possible Side Effects of Erythromycin Base

• Diarrhea
• Nausea/vomiting
• Appetite loss