Erythromycin

Erythromycin is an antibiotic in the macrolide family that works by decreasing bacterial protein production. It is used for respiratory tract infections, skin infections, chlamydia infections, pelvic inflammatory disease and syphilis, and during pregnancy it may be used to prevent Group B streptococcal infection in the newborn and to improve delayed stomach emptying. It can be given intravenously and by mouth, and an eye ointment is routinely recommended after delivery to prevent eye infections in newborns. Common side effects are abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhea, and more serious ones include Clostridioides difficile colitis, liver problems, prolonged QT and allergic reactions. It is generally safe for people who are allergic to penicillin. Erythromycin was first isolated in 1952 from the bacterium Saccharopolyspora erythraea, and it is on the World Health Organization List of Essential Medicines. This entry records what is held about the drug and is not medical advice.