Ery-tab, Erythromycin DR, Erythromycin (oral)

Medically reviewed by Amber Watson, PharmD on May 10, 2023
Written by Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA

The approved uses differ based on the form of erythromycin your doctor prescribes.

This article describes erythromycin’s uses, side effects, and more. Below you’ll find some coupon options to help save on the cost of erythromycin.

This article doesn’t provide coupons for all forms of erythromycin, only the oral tablets. To find out more about the other forms of erythromycin, see the following articles:

• erythromycin solution
• erythromycin ointment
• erythromycin ethylsuccinate
• erythromycin delayed-release tablet (DR)
• erythromycin lactobionate
• erythromycin stearate

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about erythromycin.

How does erythromycin compare with the antibiotics azithromycin and amoxicillin?

There are some similarities and differences between erythromycin, azithromycin (Zithromax), and amoxicillin (Amoxil, Larotid).

These antibiotics may be prescribed for some of the same uses, but not all. For instance, unlike azithromycin and amoxicillin, erythromycin may be used to treat acne. These drugs also vary in what forms they come in. For example, azithromycin and amoxicillin don’t come in topical forms, but erythromycin does.

Azithromycin and erythromycin are both macrolide antibiotics, whereas amoxicillin is a type of antibiotic called a penicillin. So depending on the use, azithromycin and erythromycin may be safer treatment options for people who are allergic to penicillin antibiotics.

If you’d like to learn more about how erythromycin compares with azithromycin, amoxicillin, and other antibiotics, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can erythromycin be used for gastroparesis?

Erythromycin is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying). But doctors may still prescribe it off-label for this purpose. Off-label use is when a drug that’s approved by the FDA for certain conditions is prescribed for a different use.

Talk with your doctor to learn more about off-label uses of erythromycin, including for managing gastroparesis.

Is erythromycin eye ointment used for styes?

Yes, erythromycin eye ointment may be used to treat styes, which are infections of your upper or lower eyelid.

Styes sometimes go away on their own without treatment. They also may respond to treatment with a warm compress and erythromycin eye ointment. Your doctor can determine whether erythromycin ointment or another treatment is the best choice for your stye.

Talk with your doctor to learn more about treatment options for styes, including erythromycin eye ointment.

How does erythromycin work? And how long does it take to start working?

Erythromycin is a type of drug called a macrolide antibiotic. It works by blocking bacteria from making specific proteins they need to grow and survive. Without these proteins, the bacteria causing your infection will stop spreading and eventually die.

How long erythromycin takes to start working depends on a few factors. Examples include the dosage form prescribed and the infection you’re using the drug to treat. To find out when your infection should begin to clear while using erythromycin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Are the side effects of erythromycin in children, including newborns, different from those seen in adults?

For the most part, no. Erythromycin’s side effects in children and in adults generally aren’t different, with one exception.

In rare cases, a condition called infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) occurred in infants who received erythromycin. With this condition, food can’t flow from the stomach into the small intestine. Symptoms of IHPS include irritability and vomiting. Contact your child’s doctor right away if you notice these symptoms while your child is receiving erythromycin.

To learn more about side effects erythromycin can cause, check out the “Side effects of erythromycin” section below. Your doctor or pharmacist can also discuss the drug’s side effects with you.

The dosage of erythromycin your doctor prescribes may vary based on your condition and certain other factors. Talk with your doctor about the dosage you should follow.

Taking, applying, or receiving erythromycin

Erythromycin oral tablets, delayed-release oral tablets, oral capsules, and oral solution are taken by mouth, with or without food. But your doctor may recommend that you take the drug up to 2 hours before a meal, depending on the form.

Erythromycin eye ointment, topical gel, topical solution, and topical swabs are applied to the skin as directed by your doctor.

Erythromycin liquid solution for injection is given by a healthcare professional as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into your vein given over time).

Your doctor will talk with you about how to use erythromycin. They’ll explain how much to take or apply and how often. Always follow your doctor’s recommendation.

Overdose of erythromycin

You should not use more erythromycin than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to serious side effects or overdose.

If you think you’ve used 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 concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Erythromycin may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of erythromycin and its serious side effects are listed below.

This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take. They can also vary depending on the form of erythromycin you use.

To learn more about erythromycin’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also read the prescribing information* for erythromycin.

* To view erythromycin’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with some forms of erythromycin are listed below.

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about erythromycin’s side effects based on the form, see the prescribing information* for erythromycin.

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Mild side effects of erythromycin oral tablets include:

• abdominal pain
• diarrhea
• nausea and vomiting
• appetite loss
• mild allergic reaction†

Mild side effects of erythromycin eye ointment include:

• eye irritation if the ointment comes into contact with your eye
• eye infection if the tip of the erythromycin applicator is contaminated
• mild allergic reaction†

Mild side effects of erythromycin topical solution, topical swabs, and topical gel include:

• dry, itchy, or peeling skin
• skin discoloration
• irritated skin, which may cause burning or stinging
• mild allergic reaction†

* To view erythromycin’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for erythromycin” section below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of erythromycin are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of erythromycin you use.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about erythromycin’s side effects based on the form, see the prescribing information* for erythromycin.

With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Erythromycin’s serious side effects across all dosage forms include:

• severe allergic reaction†

For erythromycin oral dosage forms, the following serious side effects may also occur:

• colitis (inflammation in your colon) caused by a Clostridioides difficile infection
• convulsions (a type of seizure)
• heart rhythm problems, including long QT syndrome
• interstitial nephritis (swelling in your kidney)
• liver problems, including liver damage and hepatitis (inflammation in your liver)
• pancreatitis (inflammation in your pancreas)
• reversible hearing loss

* To view erythromycin’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for erythromycin” section below.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as erythromycin for certain conditions. Approved uses for erythromycin are described below. These uses differ based on the form of erythromycin prescribed.

Use for acne

Doctors may prescribe erythromycin topical gel, topical solution, and topical swabs for treating acne. It’s used for this purpose in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.

Acne is a skin condition that causes pimples. This condition can be painful and even lead to scarring over time. Acne may also affect a person’s self-confidence.

Use for certain bacterial infections

Doctors may prescribe erythromycin oral tablets, delayed-release oral tablets, oral capsules, oral solution, liquid solution for injection, and eye ointment for treating certain bacterial infections. The drug is used for this purpose in adults and children of any age.

Erythromycin is usually prescribed as a short-term treatment. But this depends on your infection and other factors, such as how long the infection takes to clear.

Bacterial infections can occur when bacteria enter your body and start to grow and spread. Symptoms differ depending on the type of bacteria and location of the infection. In general, you may notice low energy, fever, or headache.

Examples of bacterial infections erythromycin is prescribed to treat are:

• certain respiratory infections, including pertussis (whooping cough)
• certain skin infections, including erysipelas
• certain foodborne illnesses
• eye infections, including pink eye

Below, you’ll find information about erythromycin’s possible interactions and warnings.

Interactions of erythromycin

For some medications, certain things may affect how the drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or using the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.

Before you use erythromycin, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

• prescription medications
• over-the-counter medications
• vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for erythromycin” section below.

Warnings for erythromycin

Erythromycin should be used cautiously, or not at all, by certain people.

Erythromycin could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether erythromycin is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of erythromycin you use.

Ask your doctor about specific warnings for erythromycin, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:

• current health, including any allergies to medications
• past health conditions or surgeries

Allergic reaction

Erythromycin can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to erythromycin or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe erythromycin. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to erythromycin, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and erythromycin

Information about erythromycin and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Erythromycin and pregnancy

In general, erythromycin is considered safe to use during pregnancy for treating certain infections. That said, ask your doctor about whether they feel it’s safe for you.

Erythromycin and breastfeeding

In general, erythromycin is considered safe to use while breastfeeding. That said, ask your doctor about whether they feel it’s safe for you.

If you’re prescribed a topical form of erythromycin and you apply it to your breasts, it may not be safe to breastfeed. Instead, talk with your doctor about other ways to feed your child.

You may be able to save money on your prescription for erythromycin by using our Perks discount coupons. They can be found at the end of this article.

If you have questions about how to pay for erythromycin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

This article describes erythromycin’s uses and dosage, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about erythromycin or would like more details about it.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• How will we monitor whether erythromycin is working to treat my acne?
• Am I at higher risk of side effects from erythromycin based on my medical history?
• Are there ways to lower my risk of side effects from erythromycin?
• Do I need to minimize time spent in the sun during erythromycin treatment?

• Amoxicillin – amoxicillin capsule. (2018). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/7524da98-b0a5-3db8-e053-2a91aa0a6ff1/spl-doc
• Azithromycin – azithromycin tablet, film coated. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/f5c6bcdd-83fa-be66-e053-2995a90a0fe3/spl-doc
• Erythromycin- erythromycin capsule, delayed release pellets. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/16e754a6-f8e0-4ecf-8300-c55aebe73e33/spl-doc
• Erythromycin – erythromycin gel. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/10ad1391-32fc-40c0-96d0-675f3c91429f/spl-doc
• Erythromycin – erythromycin ointment. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/c49ad63b-c2fd-4535-bec0-6415c93cf847/spl-doc
• Erythromycin – erythromycin solution. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/40edf1bd-42bb-4662-aff6-01fcc133c05d/spl-doc
• Ery – erythromycin swab. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/0742e636-92b2-48bb-bf01-655e32a61461/spl-doc
• Erythromycin – erythromycin tablet, delayed release.(2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/bb641ed4-8093-4e15-9cb9-8921b1093d50/spl-doc
• Erythromycin – erythromycin tablet, film coated. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/fae8fc38-3c60-43b8-a0f9-2c50df332505/spl-doc
• Erythromycin ethylsuccinate – erythromycin suspension. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/596fa019-b0eb-4e57-93ff-195a765a2e91/spl-doc
• Erythrocin lactobionate – erythromycin lactobionate injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/a96c405f-bd70-4bb4-719e-ac6a79dcc213/spl-doc
• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm

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.