erythromycin lactobionate at a glance
Medicine class
Macrolide antibiotic
How it is given
A healthcare professional gives it as an intravenous infusion after reconstitution and dilution.
Why it is used
For intravenous treatment when oral administration is not possible or sufficient.
What is erythromycin lactobionate used for?
Licensed for appropriately diagnosed infections caused by susceptible bacteria when oral administration is not possible or sufficient.
Conjunctivitis
Pneumonia caused by atypical organisms
Whooping cough
Urogenital infections
Severe gastroenteritis
Diphtheria
Lymphogranuloma venereum
Severe otitis media, community-acquired pneumonia, skin and soft-tissue infection, or acute bacterial worsening of chronic bronchitis when beta-lactam antibiotics are unsuitable
How does erythromycin lactobionate work?
It binds to the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit and suppresses protein production. This stops susceptible bacteria growing and, in some circumstances, kills them.
erythromycin lactobionate preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 1 g
How to take erythromycin lactobionate
Healthcare professionals prepare and administer this formulation; it is not swallowed or self-injected.
The powder must be reconstituted and further diluted before infusion.
It is infused into a vein, not given as an intravenous push, intramuscular injection or intra-arterial injection.
Slow administration helps reduce vein irritation and cardiovascular adverse effects.
The clinical team should change to an appropriate oral formulation when intravenous treatment is no longer required.
erythromycin lactobionate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal discomfort or cramps
- Diarrhoea or soft stools
- Flatulence
- Reduced appetite
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction or swelling of the face and airway
- Severe blistering, peeling or widespread pustular skin reaction
- QT prolongation or a serious abnormal heart rhythm
- Severe or persistent antibiotic-associated diarrhoea or colitis
- Liver inflammation, liver failure or jaundice
- Pancreatitis
- Seizures or marked confusion
- Tinnitus or hearing loss
- Worsening myasthenia gravis, particularly breathing weakness
- Pain, irritation or inflammation around the infusion vein
erythromycin lactobionate in pregnancy
Erythromycin can be used during pregnancy when recommended by a doctor, and treating infection is important. Because observational findings are conflicting, intravenous use should follow an individual assessment of clinical need and alternatives.
erythromycin lactobionate while breastfeeding
Intravenous erythromycin can be used during breastfeeding with precautionary infant monitoring when the infant is full-term and healthy. Seek specialist advice for a premature or unwell infant. Monitor for diarrhoea, vomiting, oral thrush, rash, unusual sleepiness, irritability or poor feeding.
erythromycin lactobionate interactions
Erythromycin inhibits CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein and can prolong the QT interval. A full medicines review is essential before infusion.
Simvastatin, atorvastatin or lovastatin
Use is contraindicated because erythromycin can markedly increase statin exposure and the risk of muscle injury, including rhabdomyolysis.
Ergotamine or dihydroergotamine
The combination is contraindicated because increased ergot exposure can cause severe vasospasm and tissue ischaemia.
QT-prolonging medicines
Combined effects can increase the risk of torsades de pointes and other dangerous ventricular arrhythmias; several combinations are contraindicated.
Common questions about erythromycin lactobionate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is erythromycin lactobionate a penicillin antibiotic?
No. It is a macrolide antibiotic and works differently from penicillins.
Can it be given as an intravenous push?
No. Intravenous bolus administration is contraindicated; the prepared solution must be given as an infusion.
Can it affect heart rhythm?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.