Erythromycin solution

Indications

Erythromycin solution is used for: Acne

Adult Dose

Topical/Cutaneous Acne Adult: Apply onto affected areas 1-2 times daily. Discontinue treatment if condition worsens or if there is no improvement after 6-8 wk of continuous usage. Max duration: 6 mth.

Child Dose

Safety and efficacy not established

Renal Dose

Administration

Apply to affected areas after skin is thoroughly washed and patted dry

Contra Indications

Hypersensitivity; porphyria; hepatic impairment; pregnancy.

Precautions

Increased risk of cholestatic hepatitis when treatment is >10 days or in patients with previous history of erythromycin usage. History of hepatic disorders; arrhythmias; prolonged QT interval; lactation. Monitor liver function. Avoid estolate in liver impairment. Caution when using lactobionate in patients with severe renal impairment. May aggravate muscle weakness in patients with myasthenia gravis. Lactation: Unknown if excreted in breast milk; use with caution

Pregnancy-Lactation

Pregnancy Category: B Lactation: Unknown if excreted in breast milk; use with caution

Interactions

Rhabdomyolysis w/ or w/o renal impairment w/ HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (e.g. simvastatin). Increased risk of colchicine toxicity. Increased sedation w/ triazolobenzodiazepines and related benzodiazepines (e.g. alprazolam, midazolam). Theophylline may decrease and cimetidine may increase erythromycin concentration. Hypotension, bradyarrhythmia and lactic acidosis w/ Ca channel blockers (e.g. verapamil, amlodipine, diltiazem). Increased systemic exposure of sildenafil. Increased or prolonged adverse effects w/ ciclosporin, carbamazepine, tacrolimus, alfentanil, disopyramide, rifabutin, quinidine, methylprednisolone, cilostazol, vinblastine and bromocriptine. Increased risk of digoxin toxicity. Increased bleeding w/ oral anticoagulants. Potentially Fatal: QT prolongation, cardiac arrhythmias, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, torsades de pointes w/ cisapride, pimozide, astemizole or terfenadine. Acute ergot toxicity w/ ergotamine and dihydroergotamine.

Adverse Effects

Side effects of Erythromycin solution : Contact sensitization, Dryness, Erythema, Skin irritation, Skin tenderness Potentially Fatal: Hepatotoxicity, cholestatic jaundice; raised serum transaminases; eosinophilia.

Mechanism of Action

Erythromycin inhibits protein synthesis by irreversibly binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit thus blocking the transpeptidation or translocation reactions of susceptible organisms resulting in stunted cell growth.