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Brand name: Erythrocin IV TM

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Active ingredients: erythromycin

What it is used for

INDICATIONS AS AT 1 November 2002: Oral erythromycin is not considered to be the antibiotic of choice in severely ill patients. Erythrocin-I.V. (sterile erythromycin lactobionate) is indicated in the treatment of infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated organisms in the diseases listed below when oral administration is not possible or when the severity of the infection requires immediate high serum levels of erythromycin. Intravenous therapy should be replaced by oral administration at the appropriate time. Upper respiratory tract infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A beta-haemolytic streptococci); Streptococcus pneumoniae (Diplococcus pneumoniae); Haemophilus influenzae (many strains of H. influenzae are not susceptible to the erythromycin concentrations ordinarily achieved). Lower respiratory tract infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A beta-haemolytic streptococci); Streptococcus pneumoniae (Diplococcus pneumoniae). Respiratory tract infections due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Skin and skin structure infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus (resistant staphylococci may emerge during treatment). Diphtheria - As an adjunct to diphtheria antitoxin in infections due to Corynebacterium diphtheriae to prevent establishment of carriers and to eradicate the organism in carriers. Acute pelvic inflammatory disease caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae: Erythrocin-I.V. (sterile erythromycin lactobionate) followed by erythromycin stearate, base or ethyl succinate orally, as an alternative drug in treatment of acute pelvic inflammatory disease caused by N. gonorrhoeae in female patients with a history of sensitivity to penicillin. Before treatment of gonorrhoea, patients who are suspected of also having syphilis should have microscopic examination for T. pallidum (by immunofluorescence or darkfield) before receiving erythromycin and monthly serologic tests for a minimum of 4 months thereafter. Legionnaires' Disease caused by Legionella pneumophila. Although no controlled clinical efficacy studies have been conducted, in vitro and limited preliminary clinical data suggest that erythromycin may be effective in treating Legionnaires' Disease.

How to take it

The way to take this medicine is: Intravenous. This medicine or fluids is given through a needle or tube (catheter) inserted into a vein.

  • Store below 25 degrees Celsius
  • Shelf lifetime is 2 Years.

You should seek medical advice in relation to medicines and use only as directed by a healthcare professional.

Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.

Visual appearance

White powder

Do I need a prescription?

This medicine is available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is Schedule 4 : Prescription Only Medicine.

Pregnant or planning a pregnancy?

For the active ingredient erythromycin

This medicine is generally considered safe during pregnancy if taken as directed. During pregnancy, you should discuss your medicine use with your doctor or pharmacist.

Consumer Medicines Information (CMI)

For side effects, taking other medicines and more

Print the CMI.

Listen to the CMI.


Reporting side effects

You can help ensure medicines are safe by reporting the side effects you experience.

You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems

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