erythromycin ethylsuccinate at a glance
Medicine class
Macrolide antibiotic
Form
Granules made into an oral liquid
Common problems
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort
Practical point
Shake well and measure with an oral syringe or medicine spoon
What is erythromycin ethylsuccinate used for?
Selected products are licensed to treat or prevent infections caused by erythromycin-sensitive organisms. The exact scope differs between products.
Upper and lower respiratory tract infections
Skin and soft-tissue infections
Ear and eye infections
Oral and dental infections
Some gastrointestinal and bone infections
Selected sexually transmitted infections
Prevention of pertussis and diphtheria in appropriate circumstances
An alternative in certain infections when penicillin cannot be used
How does erythromycin ethylsuccinate work?
Erythromycin binds to the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit and suppresses production of proteins needed for bacterial growth. It works only when the infecting organism is susceptible.
erythromycin ethylsuccinate preparations and strengths
Oral suspension
Route: Oral
Strengths: 125 mg/5 mL, 250 mg/5 mL, 500 mg/5 mL
How to take erythromycin ethylsuccinate
Use exactly as shown on the dispensing label. Absorption is improved when the stomach is empty; ask a pharmacist if stomach upset makes this difficult.
Shake the suspension thoroughly before measuring it.
Use the supplied oral syringe or medicine spoon, not a kitchen teaspoon.
Check the label for storage and discard instructions.
Tell the pharmacist if you need a sugar-free product or have hereditary fructose intolerance, because excipients vary.
erythromycin ethylsuccinate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal discomfort or cramps
- Reduced appetite
- Bloating or indigestion
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction
- QT prolongation or an abnormal heart rhythm
- Severe or persistent antibiotic-associated diarrhoea
- Liver inflammation or jaundice
- Pancreatitis
- Tinnitus or hearing loss
- Severe blistering, peeling or pustular skin reactions
erythromycin ethylsuccinate in pregnancy
Erythromycin can be used during pregnancy when recommended by a doctor. The prescriber should consider the infection, pregnancy stage, alternatives and product information. Do not stop or change treatment without advice.
erythromycin ethylsuccinate while breastfeeding
Erythromycin may be used while breastfeeding a full-term, healthy infant with precautionary monitoring. Seek specialist advice if the infant is premature or unwell, and report poor feeding, vomiting, diarrhoea, thrush, rash or unusual sleepiness.
erythromycin ethylsuccinate interactions
Erythromycin affects important drug-transport and metabolic pathways and can add to QT-prolonging effects. A full medication check is required, including non-prescription and herbal products.
Simvastatin and lovastatin
Concentrations can rise and cause myopathy or rhabdomyolysis; simvastatin is contraindicated with selected products.
Domperidone, pimozide and certain antihistamines
Some combinations are contraindicated because increased concentrations can cause dangerous heart rhythms.
Ergotamine or dihydroergotamine
Contraindicated because acute ergot toxicity, vasospasm and tissue ischaemia can occur.
Common questions about erythromycin ethylsuccinate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is erythromycin ethylsuccinate the same as erythromycin?
It is an oral ester formulation that provides erythromycin after administration. The antibacterial activity comes from erythromycin.
Can it be taken with food?
Absorption is improved when the stomach is empty. If it causes stomach upset, ask a pharmacist whether food is appropriate for the prescribed product.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.