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Erythromycin 250mg Tablets
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Erythromycin Tablets - Antibiotic Treatment for Rosacea
Erythromycin 250mg tablets are an effective antibiotic used to treat rosacea. The active ingredient kills bacteria that live on the skin and cause symptoms such as redness and blemishes. Within 6-8 weeks of use, the skin should be visibly clearer and less irritated.
You can buy Erythromycin online with a private prescription from The Independent Pharmacy. Have your rosacea treatment delivered quickly and conveniently by completing an online consultation today.
- Suitable for age:18 Years +
- Maximum per order:2
- Consultation required?YesThis treatment requires an online consultation for review by our medical team. The decision to supply the specific treatment and quantity requested will be based on whether our medical team are satisfied that it will be safe, appropriate, and effective.
- Generic Treatment?YesThis is a generic medicine and manufacturer of the treatment supplied may vary from the treatment image above, depending on availability. Please contact us once you've placed your order if you require a specific brand and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
| Type of medicine | Antibiotic |
| Works by | Reducing the number of bacteria present on the skin. By killing this bacteria it helps to clear the skin, leaving it looking clearer and feeling smoother. |
| Active ingredient | Erythromycin |
| Effective within | 4-6 weeks |
| Pack size | 168 tablets |
| Strength | 250mg |
| Manufacturer | Brown & Burk, Almus, Multiple other manufacturers |
| Generic | Yes |
| Use with alcohol | Avoid |
Erythromycin Information
Erythromycin 250mg tablets are an effective antibiotic used to treat rosacea. The active ingredient kills bacteria that live on the skin and cause symptoms such as redness and blemishes. Within 6-8 weeks of use, the skin should be visibly clearer and less irritated.
You can buy Erythromycin online with a private prescription from The Independent Pharmacy. Have your rosacea treatment delivered quickly and conveniently by completing an online consultation today.
What is Erythromycin?
Erythromycin is a generic branded macrolide antibiotic that can be prescribed to treat the irritation, inflammation, and acne caused by rosacea. It is available as a 6- or 12-week supply. The drug is suitable for rosacea sufferers who are unable to take tetracycline antibiotics, such as doxycycline, oxytetracycline, or Efracea.
When Erythromycin is taken twice a day to treat skin infections such as rosacea or acne, most patients will notice a significant improvement in the condition of their skin within 8 weeks.
What is Erythromycin used for?
Erythromycin oral tablets can be used to treat many different types of bacterial infections, but it is most often prescribed to treat the skin condition rosacea, which is mainly characterised by skin redness and visible blood vessels. Sufferers will generally experience intermittent flare-ups where symptoms are worse.
This antibiotic treatment is suitable for people who have already tried topical rosacea treatments but have found these ineffective at clearing up their skin. Erythromycin is a highly effective treatment for killing the bacteria which cause rosacea.
Can Erythromycin treat acne?
Erythromycin can also be prescribed to treat acne; however, we do not currently supply it online for acne symptoms. If you have severe or persistent acne, you should speak to your doctor to determine whether Erythromycin is a suitable treatment, or alternatively explore other acne treatments, including prescription antibiotics and over-the-counter medications.
How does Erythromycin work?
Erythromycin is part of a group of medicines called macrolide antibiotics. These antibiotics work by killing the bacteria present on the skin, helping to clear bacterial infections such as rosacea. By stopping the growth of bacteria, Erythromycin helps to clear the skin, reducing redness and leaving it looking clearer and feeling smoother.
How long does Erythromycin take to work?
For skin conditions such as rosacea, you may need to take Erythromycin pills for up to 2 months before you see considerable improvement. You should take your Erythromycin rosacea tablets for the full duration, until the course is complete. You may notice your skin looks and feels better before this time, but to prevent the bacteria from returning you must not stop taking it early.
Alternatives to Erythromycin
There are several prescription and over-the-counter medications that can be taken to treat the symptoms of rosacea, including topical gels such as Finacea, creams such as Soolantra, and over-the-counter skin treatments such as Dermalex.
There are some non-medical methods for helping to calm your rosacea down, such as:
- Protecting your skin from the sun every day.
- Avoiding scrubbing the face.
- Using a gentle moisturiser.
- Using non-perfumed soaps.
- Avoiding things which may trigger rosacea flare-ups, such as alcohol or spicy foods. Keeping a diary may help to identify triggers.
How to take Erythromycin
Erythromycin 250mg tablets are prescribed for oral use only.
The normal dosage of Erythromycin pills for adults over 18 years old is 2 pills (500 mg) 4 times a day for up to 12 weeks. Tablets should be taken with a glass of water, ideally just before or with a meal.
If you miss a dose of Erythromycin, do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose. Simply take your next dose as normal.
Please read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly before starting treatment with Erythromycin.
Erythromycin side effects
Erythromycin, like other antibiotics, may cause some people to experience unwanted side effects. If you are worried about any potential side effects, you should speak to a doctor for advice.
The most common Eythromycin side effects include:
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhoea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Altered hearing, vision and taste
- Difficulty sleeping
- Skin reactions
If you do experience any of the above symptoms or more serious side effects, tell your doctor or pharmacist. For full details about known side effects and how to report new side effects, please see the Patient Information Leaflet.
Erythromycin overdose
Taking too much Erythromycin can cause temporary hearing loss, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea. Even if you do not feel unwell if you have taken more than the stated dose of this medication, contact a doctor immediately or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
Erythromycin allergy
Erythromycin is often taken as an alternative antibiotic by people who are allergic to penicillin. However, Erythromycin can cause some people to experience an allergic reaction.
Signs of an allergic reaction include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Fainting
- Swelling of the face, lips or throat
- Skin rashes
If you experience any serious side effects, including symptoms of an allergic reaction, you should call 999 or attend your nearest emergency department as soon as possible.
Erythromycin warnings
Before taking Erythromycin oral medication, you should ensure you have read and understood the contents of the Patient Information Leaflet.
If you suffer from any of the following medical conditions, you should not purchase Erythromycin online as it may not be safe to take:
- Decreased liver function or liver disease.
- Severely decreased kidney function.
- Abnormal heart rhythm is seen on a heart monitoring trace (ECG) as a 'prolonged QT interval', or people at risk of this (your doctor will know).
- Abnormal muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis).
- Hereditary blood disorders are called porphyrias.
Can you take Erythromycin with other medications?
Erythromycin may cause interactions with several different medications if taken at the same time.
If you are taking any of the following medicines, you should not buy Erythromycin medication online as it may interact with other drugs:
- Warfarin (thins the blood)
- Cisapride (used for stomach disorders)
- Pimozide (used in the treatment of psychiatric disorders)
- Clarithromycin (an antibiotic used to treat certain infections)
- Ergotamine or dihydroergotamine (for migraine)
- Zopiclone (induces sleep)
- Theophylline (helps ease breathing)
- Lovastatin (blood cholesterol-lowering drugs)
- Alfentanil
- Bromocriptine
- Carbamazepine
- Cyclosporin
- Digoxin
- Disopyramide
- Hexobarbitone
- Midazolam or Triazolam
- Phenytoin
- Quinidine
- Tacrolimus
- Valproate
- Simvastatin
- Tolterodine
- Mizolastine
- Amisulpride
- Terfenadine
- Astemizole
Can you take Erythromycin with alcohol?
Drinking alcohol while taking Erythromycin pills may slow down the antibiotic effect of this medicine. Therefore, you may wish to stop drinking or limit your alcohol intake while taking Erythromycin — always speak to a health care professional for advice.
Can you take ibuprofen with Erythromycin?
Yes, you can take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen alongside Erythromycin, as there is no known interaction between these medications.
Erythromycin and pregnancy
Erythromycin oral medication should only be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women if clearly needed. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, speak to your doctor or a pharmacist before taking Erythromycin.
Does Erythromycin have penicillin in it?
Erythromycin oral pills don’t contain penicillin, but they are often used to treat those suffering from a penicillin reaction.
Sources
- Erythromycin Tablets, Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/10659/pil
- https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/erythromycin/
- https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/erythromycin.html#indicationsAndDoses
- https://patient.info/medicine/erythromycin-erythrocin-erythrolar-erythroped
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rosacea/
Erythromycin 250mg Tablets reviews
Erythromycin 250mg Tablets FAQs
There is currently no cure for rosacea, as the exact causes are still unknown. Usually rosacea affects the skin on your nose, cheeks, and forehead, with flare-ups occurring in cycles. Sufferers may experience symptoms for weeks or months at a time, then find that symptoms go away. However, they often recur later.
Oral erythromycin is an antibiotic that can be used to treat moderate to severe acne, particularly that which isn't improving using other treatments. It can also be used topically to treat acne, as a cream, gel or ointment. Erythromycin is used to treat a wide range of conditions, from acne and rosacea to ear infections
Please note, we do not prescribe Erythromycin for ear infections.
Erythromycin is what’s known as a macrolide antibiotic. Its most common side effect is GI toxicity. When taken orally, the acidic environment of the stomach degrades the tablets into a substance that can cause adverse GI effects – including diarrhoea. Other effects can include stomach ache or nausea.
As well as tablet form, Erythromycin also comes as a cream or gel that can be applied topically to treat acne and rosacea. The antibiotic ointment helps to reduce inflammation and pimples by stopping the growth of bacteria. This topical treatment works best if used at the same time every day. At The Independent Pharmacy, we stock Mirvaso Gel and Rozex Gel for topical rosacea treatment.
Since rosacea doesn’t have a known cure, some people opt for laser resurfacing treatment. The painless procedure destroys tiny blood vessels and usually heals fairly quickly, helping to control rosacea. Many patients choose to combine laser treatment with medication.
It’s important to remember that there are always risks with laser treatment – anyone can get an adverse reaction to laser surgery. Only trained medical professionals should ever operate facial lasers.
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Erythromycin 250mg Tablets
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Authored by
Scott McDougallMPharmGPhC 2079324Director & Registered Manager
Scott is one of the two founders of The Independent Pharmacy. He is a registered pharmacist and the registered manager of our service with the CQC.
Reviewed by
Daniel HurleyMPharm IPGPhC 2078790Pharmacist Independent Prescriber
Dan is an experienced pharmacist having spent time working in both primary and secondary care. He currently supports our clinical team by providing robust clinical governance review of our internal processes and information.
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