Erythromycin is an
antibiotic used to treat a variety of conditions including, but not limited to,
respiratory infections and
skin infections. Erythromycin is marketed under many different brand names including Emgel, Erycette, T-Stat, Ilotycin, and Erythrocin, among others. The drug can be taken orally or used topically.
Using erythromycin can cause upset stomach and
diarrhea. However, the drug may have much more serious effects on your health. Use of erythromycin is associated with
torsades de pointes, a potentially lethal heart arrhythmia, which can cause sudden death. Women using erythromycin have a higher risk of developing torsades de pointes than men.
Additionally, erythromycin can cause severe reactions when taken with other drugs. When taken with terfenadine and
astemizole, erythromycin can increase the risk of dangerous
heart arrhythmias. Adverse interactions are also possible with the following drugs: carbamazepine, cyclosporine, theophylline, triazolam,
warfarin and cisapride.
A recent study found that erythromycin may cause
pyloric stenosis, a
digestive disorder in infants.
See your doctor if you have questions about erythromycin or if you have experienced serious health problems after taking this medication. In addition, it may be important to
contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be
time limits within which you must commence suit.
See Also
- Antibiotics
- Arrhythmia: Overview
- Pyloric Stenosis: Overview
- Torsades de Pointes: Overview