erythromycin
an ANTIBIOTIC used for bacterial and mycoplasmic infections. It is similar to PENICILLIN in its activity and can be taken for INFECTIONS that penicillin cannot treat.
Erythromycin is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as infections of the respiratory tract, including bronchitis, pneumonia, Legionnaires' disease (a type of lung infection), and pertussis (whooping cough; a serious infection that can cause severe coughing); diphtheria (a serious infection in the throat); sexually transmitted diseases (STD), including syphilis; and ear, intestine, gynecological, urinary tract, and skin infections. It also is used to prevent recurrent rheumatic fever. Erythromycin is in a class of medications called macrolide antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics such as erythromycin will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking erythromycin affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
Studies have not been done to see whether taking erythromycin can make it harder to get pregnant. If you have concerns about erythromycin and fertility, it's best to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Does taking erythromycin increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy, and it is not known whether erythromycin increases that chance. However, studies that looked at erythromycin and birth defects did not report a higher rate of miscarriage. Any specific concerns should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Does taking erythromycin increase the risk of birth defects?
Every pregnancy starts with a 3–5% background chance of a birth defect. Most studies have not found an increased chance of birth defects with erythromycin, though a few studies suggested a possible small increase in heart defects or pyloric stenosis with first-trimester use—findings that were not confirmed in other studies, including a pooled analysis. Your healthcare provider can help put this information in context for your situation.
Can taking erythromycin during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
It is not known whether erythromycin causes problems such as preterm delivery or low birth weight, and most studies have not shown an increased chance of these outcomes when it is used later in pregnancy. Depending on the condition being treated, erythromycin use might actually improve outcomes such as gestational age at delivery and birth weight. Decisions about treatment should be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking erythromycin during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
It is not known whether erythromycin increases the chance of behavior or learning issues in the child. One study that followed children up to age 11 reported that prenatal erythromycin exposure did not make them more likely to need special assistance in school. Any concerns about child development are worth discussing with your healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking erythromycin?
Erythromycin passes into breastmilk in small amounts and has also been given directly to infants when needed, so short-term use is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding. One study suggested a higher chance of pyloric stenosis in infants whose mothers were prescribed erythromycin around delivery or in the first 90 days postpartum, but other studies did not find this association. Watch for symptoms such as diarrhea, diaper rash, or thrush in the baby and contact the baby's healthcare provider with any concerns, and discuss your breastfeeding questions with your own provider.
Source: National Library of Medicine
erythromycin