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Thursday, November 12, 2009
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Erythromycin Oral

Precautions and Side Effects


Generic Name: ERYTHROMYCIN BASE, ERYTHROMYCIN STEARATE - ORAL
Pronounced: (eh-rith-row-MY-sin base, eh-rith-row-MY-sin STEER-ate)

Erythromycin Oral Side Effects

Table of Contents

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain/cramping, loss of appetite, and mild heartburn may occur. Taking this medication with food may lessen these symptoms. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if this unlikely but serious side effect occurs:

  • mouth sores


Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:

  • persistent nausea/vomiting
  • severe stomach/abdominal pain
  • unusual fatigue
  • dark urine
  • yellowing eyes or skin
  • muscle weakness
  • hearing problems (e.g., hearing loss)


Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:

  • severe dizziness
  • fainting
  • fast/irregular heartbeat
  • seizures


This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (pseudomembranous colitis) due to resistant bacteria. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop:

  • persistent diarrhea
  • abdominal or stomach pain/cramping
  • blood/mucus in your stool


Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection (oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include:

  • rash
  • itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
  • severe dizziness
  • trouble breathing


This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. In the US, you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada, you may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

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