erythromycin

[DavidS]

Not always true..
etc etc

Wow! Prepare for lots of PM's from students!

I don't think its available over here, though

[Shwampa]

The known brand is Rulide. I can't believe it's not available in the UK!!!

BNF

5.1.5 Macrolides

Erythromycin has an antibacterial spectrum that is similar but not identical to that of penicillin; it is thus an alternative in penicillin-allergic patients.

Indications for erythromycin include respiratory infections, whooping cough, legionnaires’ disease, and campylobacter enteritis. It is active against many penicillin-resistant staphylococci but some are now also resistant to erythromycin; it has poor activity against Haemophilus influenzae. Erythromycin is also active against chlamydia and mycoplasmas.

Erythromycin causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea in some patients; in mild to moderate infections this can be avoided by giving a lower dose (250 mg 4 times daily) but if a more serious infection, such as Legionella pneumonia, is suspected higher doses are needed.

Azithromycin is a macrolide with slightly less activity than erythromycin against Gram-positive bacteria but enhanced activity against some Gram-negative organisms including H. influenzae. Plasma concentrations are very low but tissue concentrations are much higher. It has a long tissue half-life and once daily dosage is recommended. For treatment of Lyme disease, see section 5.1.1.3. Azithromycin is also used in the treatment of trachoma [unlicensed indication] (section 11.3.1).

Clarithromycin is an erythromycin derivative with slightly greater activity than the parent compound. Tissue concentrations are higher than with erythromycin. It is given twice daily.

Azithromycin and clarithromycin cause fewer gastro-intestinal side-effects than erythromycin.

Spiramycin is also a macrolide (section 5.4.7).

The ketolide telithromycin is a derivative of erythromycin. The antibacterial spectrum of telithromycin is similar to that of macrolides and it is also active against penicillin- and erythromycin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae. Telithromycin should only be used to treat beta-haemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis and tonsillitis, sinusitis, community-acquired pneumonia, and exacerbations of chronic bronchitis if caused by organisms resistant to beta-lactam antibacterials and other macrolides, or if conventional treatment is contra-indicated.

[Fleegle]

We are not worthy.

[Karatekez]

Well i stopped the Erythromycin and started on Amoxicillin. I have been taking the Amoxicillin for three days now but so far not feeling any better...i can't even hiccup without having pain. I'm also finding it hard to spread them out throughout the day, as i am only taking three tablets a day..can anyone suggest how many hours apart i should be taking them?

[johnep]

Tablets of amoxicillin? Never seen them. Three times a day of 24 hours is every eight hours.
johnep

[Karatekez]

Yes Amoxicillin 500mg tablets. Thanks for that John...was wondering cos i was thinking they would be leaving my system before my next one.

[johnep]

Are you sure they are tablets (round compressed) and not red and gold capsules (sausage shaped containing loose powder)?

If the are actually tablets, would like to know manufacturer.

Of course, could be co-amoxiclav/augmentin. This is a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid which is supposed to delay onset of resistance.

Local PCT not fond of it.
johnep

[Karatekez]

Yes sorry they are capsules.