Erythromycin (Panpharma)™
Active ingredients: erythromycin
Consumer medicine information
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What this medicine is used for
Oral erythromycin is not considered to be the antibiotic of choice in severely ill patients.,Erythromycin Panpharma (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: Erythromycin Panpharma (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 immuno-fluorescence or dark field) 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.
Source: ARTG
Storage conditions
- Shelf lifetime is 36 Months
- Store below 30 degrees Celsius
- Protect from Light
Source: ARTG
How to use this medicine
Non-composite pack
This medicine contains one component only.
Component
- Injection, powder for
- Intravenous
- A white or slightly yellow powder.
Source: ARTG
Do I need a prescription?
These medicine packs are available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is Schedule 4: Prescription Only Medicine.
- 1
- 10
- 25
Source: ARTG
Is this medicine subsidised?
This medicine is not listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Talk to your pharmacist about how much it will cost.
Source: PBS
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.
Source: AHT
Reporting side effects
If you experience a side effect from this medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Or report it directly to the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration).
You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at Report an adverse event or safety problem (Opens in new tab)
Source: ARTG
Data sources
- Australian Health Thesaurus (AHT) (Opens in new tab) – Last updated on 3 August 2026
- Australian Medicines Terminology (AMT) (Opens in new tab) – Last updated on 3 August 2026
- Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) (Opens in new tab) – Last updated on 3 August 2026
- Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) (Opens in new tab) – Last updated on 3 August 2026
- Medicines Information Pty Ltd (Opens in new tab) – Last updated on 4 March 2026
Disclaimer
Healthdirect medicines information is not intended for use in an emergency. If you are suffering an acute illness, overdose, or emergency condition, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
Reasonable care has been taken to provide accurate information at the time of creation. This information is not intended to substitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be exclusively relied on to manage or diagnose a medical condition. Please refer to our terms and conditions (Opens in new tab).
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