*** PLEASE NOTE***
The information and instructions on the following pages should not replace those given to you by your doctor.
How does Erythromycin work?
Erythromycin is an antibiotic that helps the body fight bacterial infections. Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients use erythromycin for an extended period of time in order to fight inflammations. Inflammations are the body's response to a bacterial infection. Chronic ingestion of erythromycin improves respiratory functioning among CF patients. Other names for the drug include T. Erythro-Teva and Eryc-250.
The antibiotic comes in a syrup form, which can be found in most pharmacies. Sometimes the drug is prepared in a powder form, in which case you must add water and prepare the syrup based on the instruction on the box. You can also ask your pharmacist to prepare the syrup.
Keep the syrup refrigerated. Once the water is added to make the syrup, the syrup is good for 14 days. If the erythromycin is in a powder form, keep it at room temperature and out of reach of children. Do not use if the medication is past its expiration date.
Administering the Medication
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It is important to administer the medication at the specific times as directed by your doctor.
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For a Syrup: make sure to shake the bottle well prior to each use. If your child has difficulty swallowing the antibiotics, you can add it to juice or yogurt.
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We recommend administering the antibiotics after a meal.
What should I do if I forgot to give my child his medicine on time?
Give your child the medication as soon as you remember. If there are less than 3 hours before the next dose, administer the medication and skip the next dose. Do not administer 2 doses at one time.
When do I stop giving my child the antibiotics?
Complete the full treatment round as directed by your physician. Despite the fact that your child's fever has gone down, do not stop treatment prior to the date set by your doctor. Stopping treatment can result in an antibiotic-resistant bacteria. When treatment is finished, throw away any leftover medication.
What are possible side effects?
While your child is taking the antibiotics he may experience side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pains and rashes.
What should I do if my child vomits after taking the antibiotics?
If your child vomited within 20 minutes of taking the antibiotics, give him another dose. If your child vomited at least 20 minutes after taking the medication do not administer another dose. If the vomiting continues, please see your doctor.
When should I call my doctor?
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There is no improvement in your child's condition after 2 days of taking antibiotics
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Your child's condition worsens
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Your child develops a rash, complains of itchiness, or exhibits swelling.
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Stop treatment and contact your physician.
Avoid taking multi-vitamins containing calcium while taking erythromycin. Wait at least two hours after administering the erythromycin.
Tell your physician if your child is taking other medication, especially if your child is taking:
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Budesonide
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Clindamycin
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Antifungal treatments
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Warfarin
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Theophylline
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Sulphamethoxazole