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DBL Erythromycin

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Generic Name: Erythromycin
Product Name: DBL Erythromycin

Indication

Erythromycin is useful in the treatment of the following infections when they are caused by susceptible organisms:
– upper and lower respiratory tract infections
– skin and soft tissue infections
– primary syphilis
– erythrasma (skin infection)
– acne (in combination with other agents)
It can be used for the prevention of heart valve infection in patients with rheumatic or valvular heart disease undergoing dental procedures or upper respiratory tract surgery.
DBL Erythromycin can be used to treat sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhoea and Chlamydia. It can also be used to treat non-genital Chlamydial infections such as trachoma or conjunctivitis.
Erythromycin is useful in combination with antitoxin in the treatment of diphtheria.
It is also useful in eliminating the whooping cough bug from the throat, which prevents spread of the disease.
DBL Erythromycin can be used for the prevention of tetanus in people hypersensitive to penicillin. This is not 100% reliable, so wounds should be regularly examined.

Action

Erythromycin is an antibiotic from the macrolide family. At low concentrations it immobilises and prevents bacteria from multiplying, and at high concentrations it kills them. Erythromycin works by binding to a specific site on susceptible bacteria and inhibiting production of proteins. It is active against a variety of organisms, including the well-known Staphylococcus aureus. It is also active against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae, two important causes of respiratory tract infections.
Erythromycin also has activity against the bugs that cause:
– diphtheria
– tetanus
– gonorrhoea
– whooping cough
– Legionnaire¡¯s disease
– syphilis
– Chlamydia
– atypical pneumonia
– infective diarrhoea (Campylobacter jejuni)
There is some resistance developing to Erythromycin in Haemophilus influenzae and Staphylococcus aureus.
As with treatment of any infection, it is important to isolate the bacteria and its antibacterial susceptibilities if possible before commencing treatment with Erythromycin.

Dose advice

The 250mg capsules are intended for use in adults while the 175mg capsules may be more appropriate for children.
Adults
– usual dose is 250mg every six hours or 500mg every 12 hours
– 175mg capsules may be used for less severe infection, with dosing being 175mg every six hours or 350mg every 12 hours
Children
– dose should be determined based on age, weight and severity of infection
– usual dose is 3-50mg/kg/day in 2-4 divided doses
Specific infections
Streptococcal throat infection
– treatment should always be given for at least 10 days to adequately prevent rheumatic fever
– 250mg twice daily can be used for prevention of recurrence of Streptococcal infections
Prevention of heart valve infection
– 1g should be given 1.5-2 hours prior to the procedure; then
– 500mg every 6 hours for eight doses
Chlamydial infections
– 500mg every eight hours for at least 10 days
Primary syphilis
– 30-40g given in divided doses over 10-15 days

Schedule

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Common side effects

The most common side effects seen with use of DBL Erythromycin are gastrointestinal, including:
– nausea
– vomiting
– diarrhoea
– abdominal pain
– loss of appetite

Uncommon side effects

Allergic reactions are uncommon, but if the following symptoms are experienced, see your doctor immediately:
– hives
– rash
– trouble breathing
– wheezing
– low blood pressure (feeling lightheaded, fainting)
– widespread purple rash


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For further information talk to your doctor.


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Dates

Posted On: 22 July, 2003
Modified On: 1 January, 1970


Created by: myVMC