Erythromycin Ethylsuccinate (12 brand names, 5 dosage forms, 1 route)
Available dosage forms: SUSPENSION, GRANULE, TABLET, CHEWABLE, TABLET, SUSPENSION/DROPS.
Routes of administration: ORAL.
Brand Names
- E-MYCIN E
- E.E.S.
- E.E.S. 200
- E.E.S. 400
- ERYPED
- ERYTHROMYCIN ETHYLSUCCINATE
- ERYTHROMYCIN ETHYLSUCCINATE AND SULFISOXAZOLE ACETYL
- ERYZOLE
- PEDIAMYCIN
- PEDIAMYCIN 400
- PEDIAZOLE
- WYAMYCIN E
Indications and Usage
To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of E.E.S. and other antibacterial drugs, E.E.S. should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy. E.E.S. is indicated in the treatment of infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated organisms in the diseases listed below: Upper respiratory tract infections of mild to moderate degree caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae,or Haemophilus influenzae(when used concomitantly with adequate doses of sulfonamides, since many strains of H. influenzaeare not susceptible to the erythromycin concentrations ordinarily achieved). (See appropriate sulfonamide labeling for prescribing information.) Lower-respiratory tract infections of mild to moderate severity caused by Streptococcus pneumoniaeor Streptococcus pyogenes. Listeriosis caused by Listeria monocytogenes. Pertussis (whooping cough) caused by Bordetella pertussis. Erythromycin is effective in eliminating the organism from the nasopharynx of infected individuals rendering them noninfectious. Some clinical studies suggest that erythromycin may be helpful in the prophylaxis of pertussis in exposed susceptible individuals. Respiratory tract infections due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Skin and skin structure infections of mild to moderate severity caused by Streptococcus pyogenesor Staphylococcus aureus(resistant staphylococci may emerge during treatment). Diphtheria: Infections due to Corynebacterium diphtheriae, as an adjunct to antitoxin, to prevent establishment of carriers and to eradicate the organism in carriers. Erythrasma: In the treatment of infections due to Corynebacte
Dosage and Administration
Erythromycin ethylsuccinate suspensions and film-coated tablets may be administered without regard to meals.
Contraindications
Erythromycin is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to this antibiotic. Erythromycin is contraindicated in patients taking terfenadine, astemizole, pimozide, or cisapride (see PRECAUTIONS – Drug Interactions ). Do not use erythromycin concomitantly with HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) that are extensively metabolized by CYP 3A4 (lovastatin or simvastatin), due to the increased risk of myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis.
Adverse Reactions
The most frequent side effects of oral erythromycin preparations are gastrointestinal and are dose-related. They include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea and anorexia. Symptoms of hepatitis, hepatic dysfunction and/or abnormal liver function test results may occur (see WARNINGS section). Onset of pseudomembranous colitis symptoms may occur during or after antibacterial treatment (see WARNINGS section). Erythromycin has been associated with QT prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia and torsades de pointes (see WARNINGS ). Allergic reactions ranging from urticaria to anaphylaxis have occurred. Skin reactions ranging from mild eruptions to erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis have been reported rarely. There have been reports of interstitial nephritis coincident with erythromycin use. There have been rare reports of pancreatitis and convulsions. There have been isolated reports of reversible hearing loss occurring chiefly in patients with renal insufficiency and in patients receiving high doses of erythromycin.
Mechanism of Action
Mechanism of Action Erythromycin acts by inhibition of protein synthesis by binding 50S ribosomal subunits of susceptible organisms. It does not affect nucleic acid synthesis.
Overdosage
In case of overdosage, erythromycin should be discontinued. Overdosage should be handled with the prompt elimination of unabsorbed drug and all other appropriate measures should be instituted. Erythromycin is not removed by peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis.