WHAT IS Eryc/Erythromycin TABLETS?

Eryc/ERYTHROMYCIN is a macrolide antibiotic. It stops the growth of some bacteria. It treats many kinds of infection, including pneumonia, skin infections, some sexually transmitted diseases, and Legionnaire's disease. This medicine also treats severe acne, and prevents heart problems in patients with rheumatic fever. This medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

WHAT SIDE EFFECTS MAY I NOTICE FROM Eryc/Erythromycin?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• hearing loss
• dark urine
• severe or watery diarrhea
• yellowing of eyes or skin
• irregular heartbeat or chest pain
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• unusually weak or tired
• difficulty breathing

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• loss of appetite
• diarrhea
• nausea, vomiting
• stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS BEFORE I TAKE Eryc/Erythromycin?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• liver disease
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• an unusual or allergic reaction to Eryc/erythromycin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• breast-feeding
• myasthenia gravis

WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR WHILE USING Eryc/Erythromycin?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.

WHERE SHOULD I KEEP Eryc/Erythromycin?

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Keep out of the reach of children.

WHAT MAY INTERACT WITH Eryc/Erythromycin?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• droperidol
• chloroquine
• some medicines for psychotic disturbances
• vinblastine
• Cafergot/ergotamine and dihydroergotamine
• red yeast rice
• cisapride
• eplerenone
• methadone
• some medicines for heart rhythm problems
• sirolimus
• some medicines for cholesterol like Lipitor/atorvastatin, cerivastatin, Altocor/lovastatin, and Zocor/simvastatin
• other antibiotics, like grepafloxacin or Zagam/sparfloxacin

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• Parlodel/bromocriptine
• Lanoxin/digoxin
• Slo-bid cr/theophylline
• valproate
• Dilantin er/phenytoin
• terfenadine
• Tegretol/carbamazepine
• Coumadin/warfarin
• alfentanil
• some medicines for anxiety or difficulty sleeping
• Neoral/cyclosporine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

HOW SHOULD I USE Eryc/Erythromycin?

Take this medicine by mouth with glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after food. If this medicine upsets your stomach, take with food or milk. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early even if you feel better. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.