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Erythromycin Pills
Erythromycin is a prescription antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of infections, such as acne, syphilis, pneumonia, and Legionnaire's disease. The medication comes in several different forms, too, including tablets (pills), injections, capsules, and ointments that are applied to the eyes or the skin. It works by inhibiting the action of ribosomes, which in turn prevents bacteria from growing and multiplying.
When taking the pill form of erythromycin, dosing can depend on factors such as age, weight, and the condition being treated. Adults, for example, generally take anywhere from 250 to 800 mg every 6 to 12 hours. For children, the amount prescribed is based primarily on weight. Make sure that the medication is taken for the time your healthcare provider recommends -- this will help prevent bacterial resistance.
(Click Erythromycin Dosage to learn more about this common medication, including dosing guidelines for the various forms for both adults and children, when and how to take this drug, and more.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD



