Erythromycin side effects

List of Side effects
QT syndrome Hepatic Dysfunction Congenital Syphilis Rhabdomyolysis Pseudomembranous Colitis Overgrowth of Clostridia

QT syndrome
There have been reports of prolonged QT syndrome in geriatric patients receiving oral erythromycin products. Return to top

Hepatic Dysfunction
There have been reports of hepatic dysfunction, with or without jaundice, occurring in patients receiving oral erythromycin products. Return to top

Congenital Syphilis
There have been reports suggesting that erythromycin does not reach the fetus in adequate concentration to prevent congenital syphilis. Infants born to women treated during pregnancy with oral erythromycin for early syphilis should be treated with an appropriate penicillin regimen. Return to top

Rhabdomyolysis
Rhabdomyolysis with or without renal impairment has been reported in seriously ill patients receiving erythromycin concomitantly with lovastatin. Therefore, patients receiving concomitant lovastatin and erythromycin should be carefully monitored for creatine kinase (CK) and serum transaminase levels. Return to top

Pseudomembranous Colitis
Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with nearly all antibacterial agents, including erythromycin, and may range in severity from mild to life-threatening. Therefore, it is important to consider this diagnosis in patients who present with diarrhea subsequent to the administration of antibacterial agents. Return to top

Overgrowth of Clostridia
Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon and may permit overgrowth of clostridia. Studies indicate that a toxin produced by Clostridium difficile is one primary cause of “antibiotic-associated colitis”. Return to top