How to take erythromycin
Please refer to the leaflet enclosed before starting the use of erythromycin. The dose for rosacea is two 250mg tablets to be taken twice a day (four tablets a day in total) for a period of six weeks. Each tablet should be taken with plenty of fluid, before or after food. It can take several weeks before you can be expected to see any benefits – if you see no improvements after a prolonged period, you should discuss this with the doctor so that the treatment can be reviewed.
Is erythromycin suitable for me?
There are some situations where erythromycin 250mg tablets should be used with caution or would not be recommended – for example, in patients who have liver problems, myasthenia gravis, and in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Whether prescribed or pharmacy-bought, you should inform your doctor if you are taking any other forms of medication. Erythromycin may not be suitable or may need to be used with caution if you are taking medicines like simvastatin, tolterodine, mizolastine, amisulpride, terfenadine, ergotamine, or anticoagulants (medicines used to thin the blood), as well as others.
It will not be suitable if you are allergic to erythromycin or other macrolide antibiotics, or any of the other ingredients.
What are the side effects of erythromycin?
Just like in the majority of medicinal treatments, erythromycin may cause side effects. It is worth noting, however, that not everyone will get them.
Vomiting, diarrhoea, and nausea or discomfort are the more common side effects. Others to have been reported include hearing loss (usually at higher doses than are recommended for rosacea) and skin reactions.
If you experience these you should talk to your doctor.
Before starting any course of treatment, please refer to the patient information leaflet – this can also be viewed here.
Rosacea consultations are available through the Pharmacy2U Online Doctor service. Following your consultation, the correct course of treatment will be decided, which could lead to prescription-strength treatments.
Prescription