This article describes the dosages and strengths of erythromycin oral tablets and gives details on how to take them. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for erythromycin. If you want to know more about erythromycin oral tablets, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Erythromycin oral tablets are a generic version of the brand-name drugs Ery-tab and E.E.S. 400. Erythromycin also comes in an oral capsule, injectable forms, forms that are applied to the eye, and forms that are applied to the skin. But those forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about those forms, talk with your doctor.
Forms and strengths of erythromycin
The following table shows the forms and strengths of erythromycin oral tablets. Strengths are listed in milligrams (mg).
| Form | How to take | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| erythromycin immediate-release (IR) tablets* | take by swallowing | • 250 mg • 500 mg |
| erythromycin delayed-release (DR) tablets* | take by swallowing | • 250 mg • 333 mg • 500 mg |
| erythromycin ethylsuccinate tablets† | take by swallowing | • 400 mg |
* “Immediate-release (IR)” means the drug is released into your body right away. “Delayed-release (DR)” means the drug releases into your body after a certain amount of time has passed.
† Erythromycin ethylsuccinate tablets are a different version of erythromycin tablets that may cause less stomach pain.
Dosage of erythromycin
This article describes the recommended dosages for erythromycin oral tablets. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of erythromycin oral tablets without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of erythromycin in adults
Erythromycin oral tablets are approved to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. Examples include:
- certain kinds of upper or lower respiratory tract infections
- respiratory infections caused by Mycoplasma pneumonia
- certain skin infections, including erysipelas
- Listeria infections
- pertussis (whooping cough)
- syphilis
- intestinal amebiasis
The following table shows the recommended and maximum dosages of erythromycin oral tablets for adults. Doses are in milligrams (mg).
| Form | Recommended dosage(s) | Maximum dosage |
|---|---|---|
| erythromycin immediate-release (IR) tablets* | • 250 mg four times per day • 500 mg every 12 hours | 4,000 mg per day |
| erythromycin delayed-release (DR) tablets* | • 250 mg four times per day • 333 mg every eight hours • 500 mg every 12 hours | 4,000 mg per day |
| erythromycin ethylsuccinate tablets† | • 400 mg every six hours | 4,000 mg per day |
* “Immediate-release (IR)” means the drug is released into your body right away. “Delayed-release (DR)” means the drug releases into your body after a certain amount of time has passed.
† Erythromycin ethylsuccinate tablets are a different version of erythromycin tablets that may cause less stomach pain.
Dosages of erythromycin in children
The recommended dosage of erythromycin in children depends on the child’s age, body weight, and how severe their infection is. Your child’s doctor will prescribe a dosage that’s individualized for your child.
The usual dosage is 30–50 mg per kilogram (approximately 2.2 pounds) of body weight, divided into equal doses throughout the day.
Dosage adjustments for erythromycin
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of erythromycin oral tablets based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
- other medications you take
Missed dose of erythromycin
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of erythromycin oral tablets. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of erythromycin oral tablets and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to commonly asked questions about erythromycin oral tablets and its dosage.
Can erythromycin be used for sore throat or cough? If so, what is the dosage?
Possibly. But erythromycin oral tablets are only approved to treat certain infections caused by bacteria. It’s not approved to treat sore throat or cough caused by a cold or the flu, which are typically infections caused by viruses.
Still, erythromycin is approved to treat some conditions that cause sore throat or cough. Examples include pertussis (whooping cough) and upper and lower respiratory tract infections.
If you have questions about treatment options for your sore throat or cough, talk with your doctor.
Is erythromycin taken long term?
No, doctors don’t typically prescribe erythromycin oral tablets as a long-term treatment. Instead, they’re usually recommended for short-term use.
If you have questions about how long you should take erythromycin oral tablets, talk with your doctor.
How erythromycin is taken
You’ll swallow erythromycin oral tablets up to four times per day, as prescribed by your doctor. You can take them with or without food.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
You should not crush, chew, or split erythromycin oral tablets. If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Erythromycin coupon
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Get free cardOverdose of erythromycin
It’s important that you do not take more erythromycin oral tablets than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
What to do if you take too much erythromycin
If you think you’ve taken too much erythromycin, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the usual recommended dosages for erythromycin oral tablets. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.
Do not change your dosage of erythromycin oral tablets without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take erythromycin oral tablets exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.
Here’s a list of possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How long will I need to take erythromycin oral tablets?
- Which form is best for my condition: the immediate-release (IR) tablet, delayed-release (DR) tablet, or ethylsuccinate tablet?
- Will my dosage of erythromycin change if I’m taking other medications with it?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.