Erythromycin Lactobionate for Intravenous Infusion (DBL)

Generic Name: Erythromycin lactobionate
Product Name: Erythromycin Lactobionate for Intravenous Infusion (DBL)

Indication

Oral and Intravenous:

Erythromycin is used for the treatment of mild and moderate infections in adults and children, including:

Upper respiratory tract infections (including sinusitis) and Otitis media caused by: S.pyogenes, S.pneumoniae.
Lower respiratory tract infections caused by: S.pyogenes, S.pneumoniae, M.pneumoniae, B.pertusis. Acute and chronic bacterial bronchitis and pneumonia.
Skin and connective tissue infections: caused by S.pyogenes, S.aureus
Diptheria: C.diphtheriae
Erythrasma: Corynebacterium minutissimum
Non gonococcal urethritis: C.trachomatis, U.urealyticum
C.trachomatis infection excluding non-gonococcal urethritis.
Campylobacter fetus jejuni.

Erythromycin is also considered as an alternative therapy in choice in patients allergic to penicillins for the treatment of primary syphilis (T.pallidum), acute pelvic inflammatory disease caused by N.gonorrhoea, the prevention of Rheumatic fever attacks, and as bacterial endocarditis prophylaxis in patients with congenital, rheumatic or acquired valvular heart disease, when they undergo dental or surgical procedures of the upper respiratory tract.

Action

Erythromycin stops bacterial growth at low concentrations and kills bacteria at high concentrations. It is active against many bacteria responsible for common infections.

It is absorbed from the gut, with peak blood levels in 2-4 hours, and a half life of about 1.4 hours. The drug is excreted from the body in the faeces and urine. It crosses the placenta and is excreted in breast milk.

Dose advice

Severe infections in adults and children: 15-20 mg/kg/day. Higher doses, up to 4 g/day may be given for severe infection.

Acute pelvic inflammatory disease: 500 mg every six hours for 3 days. Followed by oral erythromycin (stearate or base) 250 mg or erythmycin ethylsuccinate 400 mg every six hours for 7 days.

Schedule

S4

Common side effects

Systemic side affects are unlikely.
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, anorexia.

Uncommon side effects

Mild allergic reactions (rashes with or without pruritus, urticaria, bullous fixed eruptions, eczema)
Hepatic dysfunction with or without jaundice.
Chest pain, dizziness and palpitations.
Hallucinations, confusion, vertigo.

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For further information talk to your doctor.