Medications and Drugs

GENERIC NAME: ERYTHROMYCIN GLUCEPTATE - INTRAVENOUS (eh-rith-row-MY-sin glew-SEP-tate)

BRAND NAME(S): Ilotycin

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is an antibiotic used to treat various infections. This antibiotic only treats bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

HOW TO USE: This medication is administered by injection into a vein. It may be infused continuously or given at separate doses at evenly spaced intervals around the clock to ensure a constant level of medication in your blood. Take this medication for the full time prescribed. Do not stop taking this without your doctor's approval. Stopping therapy too soon may result in a reinfection.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting or irritation at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: skin rash, hives, stomach cramps, diarrhea, jaundice (yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine), unusual tiredness, ringing in the ears. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver disease/jaundice, kidney problems, colitis/stomach problems, allergies (especially drug allergies). Caution is advised when this drug is used in infants. Though very unlikely to happen, a stomach problem called IHPS (infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis) has been noted. Contact your child's doctor immediately if the child has persistent vomiting or increased irritability. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection). This drug should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Small amounts of drug do appear in breast milk, so consult your doctor before breast-feeding.