Erythromycin

Erythromycin is an <a href="/facts/Antibiotic/sF1kIfxg">antibiotic</a> used for the treatment of a number of <a href="/facts/Bacterial_infection/X5QcVN5j">bacterial infections</a>. This includes <a href="/facts/Respiratory_tract_infections/lLKXWrJf">respiratory tract infections</a>, <a href="/facts/Skin_infections/UWn7FHFT">skin infections</a>, <a href="/facts/Chlamydia_infections/bcKTIM1L">chlamydia infections</a>, <a href="/facts/Pelvic_inflammatory_disease/gXtEQ4EV">pelvic inflammatory disease</a>, and <a href="/facts/Syphilis/fdnGLyLT">syphilis</a>. It may also be used during <a href="/facts/Pregnancy/vEKYGpep">pregnancy</a> to prevent <a href="/facts/Group_B_streptococcal_infection/VdA7QjRQ">Group B streptococcal infection</a> in the newborn, and to improve <a href="/facts/Gastroparesis/pMmzKa79">delayed stomach emptying</a>. It can be given <a href="/facts/Intravenous/AwwuD3Nu">intravenously</a> and by mouth. An eye ointment is routinely recommended after <a href="/facts/Birth/1SSk6gMD">delivery</a> to prevent <a href="/facts/Neonatal_conjunctivitis/S2yUvB7t">eye infections in the newborn</a>.
Common side effects include abdominal cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea. More serious side effects may include <a href="/facts/Clostridioides_difficile_infection/kYFGjVKf">Clostridioides difficile colitis</a>, liver problems, <a href="/facts/Prolonged_QT/kX1NAAUh">prolonged QT</a>, and <a href="/facts/Allergic_reaction/dYAVosh8">allergic reactions</a>. It is generally safe in those who are <a href="/facts/Penicillin_allergy/5HSkYY0y">allergic to penicillin</a>. Erythromycin also appears to be safe to use during pregnancy. While generally regarded as safe during <a href="/facts/Breastfeeding/cdWXyYDX">breastfeeding</a>, its use by the mother during the first two weeks of life may increase the risk of <a href="/facts/Pyloric_stenosis/E6j9gkKI">pyloric stenosis</a> in the baby. This risk also applies if taken directly by the baby during this age. It is in the <a href="/facts/Macrolide/21qIKr7a">macrolide</a> family of antibiotics and works by decreasing bacterial protein production.
Erythromycin was first isolated in 1952 from the bacteria <a href="/facts/Saccharopolyspora_erythraea/neNBqE5v">Saccharopolyspora erythraea</a>. It is on the <a href="/facts/WHO_Model_List_of_Essential_Medicines/6kmu81Xm">World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines</a>. In 2022, it was the 271st most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 800,000 prescriptions.

Erythromycin open-in-new

Erythromycin