Erythromycin 250mg Tablets

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/