ERYKO (Erythromycin Stearate Tablets) is a medication that belongs to the macrolide antibiotic class, commonly used for the treatment of bacterial infections such as respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and sexually transmitted infections. The active ingredient in ERYKO, erythromycin stearate, works by stopping the growth of bacteria, thereby preventing the infection from spreading further. ERYKO is available in tablet form and is usually taken orally. It is important to follow the dosage instructions carefully and complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by a healthcare professional to ensure that the infection is completely eradicated. ERYKO may cause side effects such as stomach upset, diarrhea, and nausea
Erythromycin exerts its antimicrobial action by binding to
the 50s ribosomal sub-unit of susceptible microorganisms and suppresses
protein synthesis. Erythromycin may be either bacteriostatic or bactericidal
depending upon its serum concentration and the susceptibility of the
micro-organism. The in-vitro antibacterial
spectrum of pathogens usually sensitive to erythromycin is as follows
Gram-positive
aerobes: Listeria monocytogenes,
Corynebacterium diphtheria (as an adjunct to antitoxin), Staphylococci spp, Streptococci spp
(including Enterococci).
Gram-negative
aerobes: Haemophilius influenza,
Neisseria meningitis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Legionella pneumophilia, Moraxella
(Branhamella) catarrhalis, Bordetella
pertusis, Campylobacter spp.
Mycoplasma: Mycoplasma pneumonia, Ureaplasma urealyticum.
Other organisms: Treponema pallidum, Chlamydia spp,
Clostridia spp, L-forms, the agents causing trachoma and Lymphogranuloma venereum.
Indications
ERYKO Tablets are indicated in treatment of susceptible
infections in patients:
- Oral infections
- Respiratory tract infections (including legionnaire’s
disease) - Whooping cough
- Campylobacter enteritis
- Syphilis
- Non-gonococcal urethritis
- Skin infections
- Chronic prostatitis
- Prophylaxis of diphtheria
- Group A streptococcal infections
- Acne vulgaris and rosacea.
Dosage
Adult and Children
over 8 years: 250-500mg every 6 hours or 0.5-1g every 12 hours up to 4g
daily in divided doses in severe infections.
Early syphilis:
500mg 4 times daily for 14 days
Uncomplicated genital
Chlamydia, non-gonococcal urethritis: 500mg twice daily for 14 days
Lyme disease:
500mg 4 times daily for 14-21 days
Renal impairment:
Max. 1.5g daily.
ERYKO Tablets should be taken orally with a glass of water
Contraindications
Known hypersensitivity to erythromycin or any other
macrolides. Use is contraindicated in acute porphyria.
Side effects
Common: Nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal discomfort.
Less common:
Hepatotoxicity (including cholestatic jaundice) and rash.
Drug interactions
Erythromycin increases plasma concentration of alfentanil,
disopyramide, dronedarone. Concurrent administration with erythromycin should
be avoided due to increased risk of toxicity and side-effects. Erythromycin
enhances plasma concentration of carbamazepine, loratadine, rupatadine,
darifenacin, clozapine, quetiapine, buspirone, zopiclone, digoxin, cilostazole,
everolimus, eplerenone, eletriptan, pravastatin, galantamine, sildenafil,
sirolimus, tacrolimus, tadalafil, theophylline, vardenafil. Concomitant use
should be avoided.
Erythromycin inhibits metabolism of mizolastine, midazolam,
felodipine, ciclosporin, corticosteroids, avoid concomitant use.
Plasma concentration of erythromycin increased by cimetidine
and ritonavir. Concomitant use should be avoided.
Avoid use of Erythromycin with tolterodine, droperidol,
amisulpride, pimozide, lercanidipine, colchicines, nilotinib, docetaxel,
vinblastine, bromocriptine, cabergoline, ergotamine,
Erythromycin possibly reducesanti-platelet effect of
clopidogrel, increases toxicity of arsenic trioxide, reduces contraceptive
effect of oestrogens and enhances anticoagulant effect of coumarins.
Erythromycin reduces plasma concentration of zafirlukast,
rosuvastatin while plasma concentration of erythromycin is possibly increased
by ritonavir. Dose regimen should be revised or monitored in case of
concomitant use.
Precautions and
warnings
Erythromycin is excreted principally by the liver, so
caution should be exercised in administering the antibiotic to patients with
impaired hepatic function or concomitantly receiving potentially hepatotoxic
agents.
ERYKO Tablets are not recommended for use in Neonates and
Children below 8 years of age.
Pseudomembraneous colitis has been reported with nearly all
antibacterial agents, including macrolides and may range in severity from mild
to life-threatening. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal
flora of the colon, which may lead to overgrowth of C.difficile or other non-susceptible micro-organisms. There have
been reports that erythromycin may aggravate the weakness of patients with
myasthenia gravis.
Rhabdomyolysis with or without renal impairment has been
reported in seriously ill patients receiving erythromycin concomitantly with
statins.
Pregnancy and
lactation
Erythromycin is reported to cross placenta barrier in humans
as well as it is excreted in breast milk. Although Erythromycin is reported not
to be harmful in pregnant and nursing mothers, caution should be exercised when
erythromycin is administered to nursing and pregnant mothers.
Overdose
Symptoms: Hearing
loss, severe nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Treatment:
Gastric lavage, general supportive measures.