Erythromycin is an antibiotic. It is an active ingredient in many different prescription medications. Erythromycin comes in many different forms, such as tablets, capsules, injection, various skin products, and eye ointments. It is used to treat and/or prevent a variety of different infections.
How Does It Work?
Erythromycin belongs to a group of medications known as macrolides. It works by inhibiting a part of bacterial ribosomes, which are parts of cells that make proteins. By inhibiting the ribosomes, the medication interferes with the ability of bacteria to make proteins, which is necessary for the bacteria to grow and multiply.
Erythromycin specifically inhibits the 50S subunit of the ribosome. Since human cells do not have a 50S subunit, they are spared from the effects of the antibiotic.
When and How to Take Erythromycin
General considerations to keep in mind during treatment with erythromycin include the following:
- This medication comes in many different forms. The particular directions for each product can vary substantially, so be sure to refer to the information for your specific medication.
- When taking erythromycin by mouth, it generally does not matter if you take it with or without food. If it bothers your stomach, however, try taking it with a little food.
- For this medicine to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Do not miss doses or stop taking this antibiotic earlier than your healthcare provider recommends, as bacterial resistance may develop.
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