DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Mixture of structurally very similar compounds which are formed by the bacterium Saccharopolyspora erythraea and which is used as a medicinal substance because of its antibiotic effect. e
The main component of the substance mixture is erythromycin A. Other ingredients are erythromycin B (5%) and, in a significantly smaller amount, erythromycin C. Chemically, erythromycin can be described as a glycoside; pharmacologically, erythromycin belongs to the macrolide antibiotics.
Half-lifeThis section has been translated automatically.
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Spectrum of actionThis section has been translated automatically.
Notice!
Cross-resistance to other macrolide antibiotics, including clindamycin!IndicationThis section has been translated automatically.
Limited indicationThis section has been translated automatically.
Pregnancy/nursing periodThis section has been translated automatically.
Dosage and method of useThis section has been translated automatically.
- Systemic:
- Pat. > 14 y.: 1.5-2 g/day p.o. or i.v.
- Children/teenagers 8-14 years: 30 mg/kg bw/day p.o. in 4 ED or 20-30 mg/kg bw i.v.
- Topical:
- Eye ointment: Apply 0.5 cm ointment every 2 hours into the conjunctival sac.
- Solution/Gel/Ointment/Cream: After thorough skin cleansing, apply thinly to the affected skin areas twice a day.
Notice! Use for max. 10-12 weeks due to development of resistance. Do not use together with alcoholic benzoyl peroxide solutions.
Standard concentrationThis section has been translated automatically.
- 1% as eye ointment.
- 0.5-, 1-, 2- or 4% in solutions, gels, ointments and creams.
Undesirable effectsThis section has been translated automatically.
- The most common adverse events in systemic erythromycin application are gastrointestinal side effects such as gastrointestinal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Furthermore: allergic reactions, reversible intrahepatic cholestasis.
- With top. Appl. Erythema, peeling, burning, scaling, contact dermatitis, pruritus.
Notice. In case of persistent diarrhea and colics think of pseudomembranous colitis!
InteractionsThis section has been translated automatically.
ContraindicationThis section has been translated automatically.
Recipe(s)This section has been translated automatically.
In magistral prescriptions, standardized formulations such as those found in the NRF as"Hydrophilic Erythromycin Cream" (NRF11.77) are recommended.
Further erythromycin-containing formulations are:
PreparationsThis section has been translated automatically.
Aknemycin (as ointment or solution); Erythrocin i.v.; Erythrocin Neo; Paediathrocin; Aknemycin; Ecolicin eye ointment; Ecolicin eye drops; Sanasepton gel 2%/-4%; Inderm gel 2%/-4%.
Erythromycin 500 Ratiopharm®
Note(s)This section has been translated automatically.
Erythromycin has an extremely stable behaviour in the alkaline range. The optimum stability should always be artificially adjusted to a pH between 8.0-8.5. In acidic conditions it is destroyed within 1-3 hours! The combination with the acid labile Clotrimazol is possible. On the other hand, the combination of erythromycin with different glucocorticoids (stability optimums are often in the acidic range) is not very useful, as instabilities often occur due to different pH values (e.g. with a prednicarbate/erythromycin mixture). An exception is triamcinolone acetonide, which has its pH optimum at pH 7. At pH 7, 4 times the amount of eRythromycin in a formulation is required for the same efficacy.
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Garcia-Lechuz JM et al (2007) Spanish Pneumococcal Study Network. Streptococcus pneumoniae skin and soft tissue infections: characterization of causative strains and clinical illness. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 26: 247-253
- Wolff G (2009) Formulation tip: Many active ingredients - higher compatibility risk. Dermatologist 60: 534-535
- Wolff G (2013) Formulation tip: Individual formulations with ready-to-use dermatics. Dermatologist 64: 882-883
TablesThis section has been translated automatically.
Significant interactions of erythromycin
Anticoagulants, oral |
Bleeding tendency ↑ |
Carbamazepine |
Carbamazepine levels ↑ |
Ciclosporin |
Ciclosporin levels ↑ |
Digoxin |
Digoxin level ↑ |
Dihydroergotamine |
Vasoconstriction ↑ |
Lincomycine |
mutual effect ↓ |
Theophylline |
Theophylline levels ↑ |