Ery-Tab
Generic Name: erythromycin
Dosage Form: Delayed-release tablets, usp
To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria
and maintain the effectiveness of Ery-Tab and other antibacterial drugs, Ery-Tab
should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly
suspected to be caused by bacteria.
Ery-Tab Description
Ery-Tab (erythromycin delayed-release tablets) is
an antibacterial product containing erythromycin base in a specially enteric-coated
tablet to protect it from the inactivating effects of gastric acidity and
to permit efficient absorption of the antibiotic in the small intestine.
Ery-Tab tablets for oral administration are available in three dosage strengths,
each white oval tablet containing either 250 mg, 333 mg, or 500 mg of erythromycin
as the free base. Ery-Tab tablets comply with USP
Drug Release Test 1.
Erythromycin is
produced by a strain of Saccharopolyspora erythraea (formerly Streptomyces erythraeus) and belongs to the macrolide group of antibiotics. It is basic
and readily forms salts with acids. Erythromycin is a white to off-white
powder, slightly soluble in water, and soluble in alcohol, chloroform, and
ether. Erythromycin is known chemically as (3R*, 4S*, 5S*, 6R*, 7R*, 9R*,
11R*, 12R*, 13S*, 14R*) - 4 - [(2,6 - dideoxy - 3 - C - methyl - 3 - O - methyl - α - L - ribo - hexopyranosyl)oxy] - 14 - ethyl - 7,12,13 - trihydroxy - 3,5,7,9,11,13 - hexamethyl - 6 - [[3,4,6 - trideoxy - 3 - (dimethylamino) - β - D - xylo - hexopyranosyl]oxy]oxacyclotetradecane - 2,10 - dione.
The molecular formula is C37H67NO13, and
the molecular weight is 733.94. The structural formula is:

Inactive Ingredients
Ammonium hydroxide, colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose
sodium, crospovidone, diacetylated monoglycerides, hydroxypropyl cellulose,
hypromellose, hypromellose phthalate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline
cellulose, povidone, propylene glycol, sodium citrate, sorbitan monooleate,
talc, and titanium dioxide.
Ery-Tab - Clinical Pharmacology
Orally administered erythromycin base and its salts
are readily absorbed in the microbiologically active form. Interindividual
variations in the absorption of erythromycin are, however, observed, and some
patients do not achieve optimal serum levels. Erythromycin is largely bound
to plasma proteins. After absorption, erythromycin diffuses readily into
most body fluids. In the absence of meningeal inflammation, low concentrations
are normally achieved in the spinal fluid but the passage of the drug across
the blood-brain barrier increases in meningitis. Erythromycin crosses the
placental barrier, but fetal plasma levels are low. The drug is excreted
in human milk. Erythromycin is not removed by peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis.
In the presence of normal hepatic function, erythromycin is
concentrated in the liver and is excreted in the bile; the effect of hepatic
dysfunction on biliary excretion of erythromycin is not known. After oral
administration, less than 5% of the administered dose can be recovered in
the active form in the urine.
Ery-Tab tablets
are coated with a polymer whose dissolution is pH dependent. This coating
allows for minimal release of erythromycin in acidic environments, e.g., stomach.
The tablets are designed for optimal drug release and absorption in the small
intestine. In multiple-dose, steady-state studies, Ery-Tab tablets have demonstrated
adequate drug delivery in both fasting and non-fasting conditions. Bioavailability
data are available from Abbott Laboratories, Dept. 422.
Microbiology
Erythromycin acts by inhibition of protein synthesis
by binding 50 S ribosomal subunits
of susceptible organisms. It does not affect nucleic acid synthesis. Antagonism
has been demonstrated in vitro between
erythromycin and clindamycin, lincomycin, and chloramphenicol.
Many strains of Haemophilus
influenzae are resistant to erythromycin alone, but are susceptible
to erythromycin and sulfonamides used concomitantly.
Staphylococci
resistant to erythromycin may emerge during a course of erythromycin therapy.
Erythromycin has been shown to be active against most strains
of the following microorganisms, both in vitro and in clinical infections as described in the INDICATIONS
AND USAGE section.
Gram-positive Organisms
Corynebacterium
diphtheriae
Corynebacterium minutissimum
Listeria
monocytogenes
Staphylococcus aureus (resistant
organisms may emerge during treatment)
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Streptococcus
pyogenes
Gram-negative Organisms
Bordetella
pertussis
Legionella pneumophila
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Other Microorganisms
Chlamydia
trachomatis
Entamoeba histolytica
Mycoplasma
pneumoniae
Treponema pallidum
Ureaplasma urealyticum
The following in vitro data are available, but their clinical significance is unknown .
Erythromycin exhibits in vitro minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC's)
of 0.5 mcg/mL or less against most (≥ 90%) strains of the following
microorganisms; however, the safety and effectiveness of erythromycin in treating
clinical infections due to these microorganisms have not been established
in adequate and well-controlled clinical trials.
Gram-positive Organisms
Viridans
group streptococci
Gram-negative Organisms
Moraxella
catarrhalis
Susceptibility Tests
Dilution Techniques
Quantitative methods are used to determine antimicrobial
minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC's). These MIC's provide
estimates of the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial compounds. The
MIC's should be determined using a standardized procedure. Standardized
procedures are based on a dilution method1 (broth or agar) or equivalent
with standardized inoculum concentrations and standardized concentrations
of erythromycin powder. The MIC values should be interpreted according to
the following criteria:
| MIC (mcg/mL) |
Interpretation |
| ≤ 0.5 |
Susceptible (S) |
| 1-4 |
Intermediate (I) |
| ≥ 8 |
Resistant (R) |
A report of "Susceptible" indicates that the
pathogen is likely to be inhibited if the antimicrobial compound in the blood
reaches the concentrations usually achievable. A report of "Intermediate"
indicates that the result should be considered equivocal, and, if the microorganism
is not fully susceptible to alternative, clinically feasible drugs, the test
should be repeated. This category implies possible clinical applicability
in body sites where the drug is physiologically concentrated or in situations
where high dosage of drug can be used. This category also provides a buffer
zone which prevents small uncontrolled technical factors from causing major
discrepancies in interpretation. A report of "Resistant" indicates that
the pathogen is not likely to be inhibited if the antimicrobial compound in
the blood reaches the concentrations usually achievable; other therapy should
be selected.
Standardized susceptibility
test procedures require the use of laboratory control microorganisms to control
the technical aspects of the laboratory procedures. Standard erythromycin
powder should provide the following MIC values:
| Microorganism |
MIC (mcg/mL) |
|
S. aureus ATCC
29213 |
0.12-0.5 |
|
E. faecalis ATCC
29212 |
1-4 |
Diffusion Techniques
Quantitative methods that require measurement
of zone diameters also provide reproducible estimates of the susceptibility
of bacteria to antimicrobial compounds. One such standardized procedure2 requires
the use of standardized inoculum concentrations. This procedure uses paper
disks impregnated with 15-mcg erythromycin to test the susceptibility of microorganisms
to erythromycin.
Reports from the laboratory
providing results of the standard single-disk susceptibility test with a 15-mcg
erythromycin disk should be interpreted according to the following criteria:
| Zone Diameter (mm) |
Interpretation |
| ≥ 23 |
Susceptible (S) |
| 14-22 |
Intermediate (I) |
| ≤ 13 |
Resistant (R) |
Interpretation should be as stated above for
results using dilution techniques. Interpretation involves correlation of
the diameter obtained in the disk test with the MIC for erythromycin.
As with standardized dilution techniques, diffusion
methods require the use of laboratory control microorganisms that are used
to control the technical aspects of the laboratory procedures. For the diffusion
technique, the 15-mcg erythromycin disk should provide the following zone
diameters in these laboratory test quality control strains:
| Microorganism |
Zone Diameter (mm) |
|
S. aureus ATCC
25923 |
22-30 |
Indications and Usage for Ery-Tab
To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria
and maintain the effectiveness of Ery-Tab and other antibacterial drugs, Ery-Tab
should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly
suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility
information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying
antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and
susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.
Ery-Tab tablets are indicated in the treatment of infections
caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms in the diseases
listed below:
Upper respiratory tract infections
of mild to moderate degree caused by Streptococcus
pyogenes; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Haemophilus influenzae (when
used concomitantly with adequate doses of sulfonamides, since many strains
of H. influenzae are not susceptible
to the erythromycin concentrations ordinarily achieved). (See appropriate
sulfonamide labeling for prescribing information.)
Lower
respiratory tract infections of mild to moderate severity caused by Streptococcus pyogenes or Streptococcus
pneumoniae.
Listeriosis caused by Listeria monocytogenes.
Respiratory
tract infections due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
Skin and skin structure infections
of mild to moderate severity caused by Streptococcus
pyogenes or Staphylococcus aureus (resistant
staphylococci may emerge during treatment).
Pertussis
(whooping cough) caused by Bordetella pertussis. Erythromycin is effective in eliminating the organism from the
nasopharynx of infected individuals, rendering them noninfectious. Some clinical
studies suggest that erythromycin may be helpful in the prophylaxis of pertussis
in exposed susceptible individuals.
Diphtheria:
Infections due to Corynebacterium diphtheriae, as an adjunct to antitoxin, to prevent establishment of carriers
and to eradicate the organism in carriers.
Erythrasma
- In the treatment of infections due to Corynebacterium
minutissimum.
Intestinal amebiasis
caused by Entamoeba histolytica (oral
erythromycins only). Extraenteric amebiasis requires treatment with other
agents.
Acute pelvic inflammatory disease caused
by Neisseria gonorrhoeae: Erythrocin® Lactobionate-I.V.
(erythromycin lactobionate for injection, USP) followed by erythromycin base
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. Patients should have
a serologic test for syphilis before receiving erythromycin as treatment of
gonorrhea and a follow-up serologic test for syphilis after 3 months.
Erythromycins are indicated for treatment of the following
infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis:
conjunctivitis of the newborn, pneumonia of infancy, and urogenital infections
during pregnancy. When tetracyclines are contraindicated or not tolerated,
erythromycin is indicated for the treatment of uncomplicated urethral, endocervical,
or rectal infections in adults due to Chlamydia
trachomatis .
When tetracyclines are contraindicated
or not tolerated, erythromycin is indicated for the treatment of nongonococcal
urethritis caused by Ureaplasma urealyticum.
Primary syphilis caused by Treponema
pallidum. Erythromycin (oral forms only) is an alternative choice
of treatment for primary syphilis in patients allergic to the penicillins.
In treatment of primary syphilis, spinal fluid should be examined before
treatment and as part of the follow-up after therapy.
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.
Prophylaxis
Prevention of Initial Attacks of Rheumatic Fever
Penicillin is considered by the American Heart
Association to be the drug of choice in the prevention of initial attacks
of rheumatic fever (treatment of Streptococcus
pyogenes infections of the upper respiratory tract e.g., tonsillitis,
or pharyngitis).3 Erythromycin is indicated for the treatment
of penicillin-allergic patients. The therapeutic dose should be administered
for ten days.
Prevention of Recurrent Attacks of Rheumatic Fever
Penicillin or sulfonamides are considered by the
American Heart Association to be the drugs of choice in the prevention of
recurrent attacks of rheumatic fever. In patients who are allergic to penicillin
and sulfonamides, oral erythromycin is recommended by the American Heart Association
in the long-term prophylaxis of streptococcal pharyngitis (for the prevention
of recurrent attacks of rheumatic fever).3
Contraindications
Erythromycin is contraindicated in patients with known
hypersensitivity to this antibiotic.
Erythromycin
is contraindicated in patients taking terfenadine, astemizole, pimozide, or
cisapride. (See PRECAUTIONS - Drug Interactions .)
Warnings
There have been reports of hepatic dysfunction, including
increased liver enzymes, and hepatocellular and/or cholestatic hepatitis,
with or without jaundice, occurring in patients receiving oral erythromycin
products.
There have been reports suggesting
that erythromycin does not reach the fetus in adequate concentration to prevent
congenital syphilis. Infants born to women treated during pregnancy with
oral erythromycin for early syphilis should be treated with an appropriate
penicillin regimen.
Rhabdomyolysis with or without
renal impairment has been reported in seriously ill patients receiving erythromycin
concomitantly with lovastatin. Therefore, patients receiving concomitant
lovastatin and erythromycin should be carefully monitored for creatine kinase
(CK) and serum transaminase levels. (See package insert for lovastatin.)
Pseudomembranous colitis
has been reported with nearly all antibacterial agents, including erythromycin,
and may range in severity from mild to life threatening. Therefore, it is
important to consider this diagnosis in patients who present with diarrhea
subsequent to the administration of antibacterial agents.
Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora
of the colon and may permit overgrowth of clostridia. Studies indicate that
a toxin produced by Clostridium difficile is
a primary cause of "antibiotic-associated colitis".
After
the diagnosis of pseudomembranous colitis has been established, therapeutic
measures should be initiated. Mild cases of pseudomembranous colitis usually
respond to discontinuation of the drug alone. In moderate to severe cases,
consideration should be given to management with fluids and electrolytes,
protein supplementation, and treatment with an antibacterial drug clinically
effective against Clostridium difficile colitis.
Precautions
General Precautions
Prescribing Ery-Tab in the absence of a proven or
strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely
to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development
of drug-resistant bacteria.
Since erythromycin
is principally excreted by the liver, caution should be exercised when erythromycin
is administered to patients with impaired hepatic function. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY and WARNINGS.)
There have been reports that
erythromycin may aggravate the weakness of patients with myasthenia gravis.
There have been reports of infantile hypertrophic pyloric
stenosis (IHPS) occurring in infants following erythromycin therapy. In one
cohort of 157 newborns who were given erythromycin for pertussis prophylaxis,
seven neonates (5%) developed symptoms of non-bilious vomiting or irritability
with feeding and were subsequently diagnosed as having IHPS requiring surgical
pyloromyotomy. A possible dose-response effect was described with an absolute
risk of IHPS of 5.1% for infants who took erythromycin for 8-14 days and 10%
for infants who took erythromycin for 15-21 days.4 Since erythromycin
may be used in the treatment of conditions in infants which are associated
with significant mortality or morbidity (such as pertussis or neonatal Chlamydia trachomatis infections), the benefit
of erythromycin therapy needs to be weighed against the potential risk of
developing IHPS. Parents should be informed to contact their physician if
vomiting or irritability with feeding occurs.
Prolonged
or repeated use of erythromycin may result in an overgrowth of nonsusceptible
bacteria or fungi. If superinfection occurs, erythromycin should be discontinued
and appropriate therapy instituted.
When indicated,
incision and drainage or other surgical procedures should be performed in
conjunction with antibiotic therapy.
Information for Patients
Patients should be counseled that antibacterial
drugs including Ery-Tab should only be used to treat bacterial infections.
They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When Ery-Tab
is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told thatalthough it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication
should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the
full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate
treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance
and will not be treatable by Ery-Tab or other antibacterial drugs in the future.
Drug Interactions
Erythromycin use in patients who are receiving high
doses of theophylline may be associated with an increase in serum theophylline
levels and potential theophylline toxicity. In case of theophylline toxicity
and/or elevated serum theophylline levels, the dose of theophylline should
be reduced while the patient is receiving concomitant erythromycin therapy.
Concomitant administration of erythromycin and digoxin has
been reported to result in elevated digoxin serum levels.
There have been reports of increased anticoagulant effects
when erythromycin and oral anticoagulants were used concomitantly. Increased
anticoagulation effects due to interactions of erythromycin with oral anticoagulants
may be more pronounced in the elderly.
Erythromycin
is a substrate and inhibitor of the 3A isoform subfamily of the cytochrome
p450 enzyme system (CYP3A). Coadministration of erythromycin and a drug primarily
metabolized by CYP3A may be associated with elevations in drug concentrations
that could increase or prolong both the therapeutic and adverse effects of
the concomitant drug. Dosage adjustments may be considered, and when possible,
serum concentrations of drugs primarily metabolized by CYP3A should be monitored
closely in patients concurrently receiving erythromycin.
The following are examples of some clinically significant CYP3A
based drug interactions. Interactions with other drugs metabolized by the
CYP3A isoform are also possible. The following CYP3A based drug interactions
have been observed with erythromycin products in post-marketing experience:
Ergotamine/dihydroergotamine
Concurrent use of erythromycin and ergotamine
or dihydroergotamine has been associated in some patients with acute ergot
toxicity characterized by severe peripheral vasospasm and dysesthesia.
Triazolobenzodiazepines (such as triazolam and alprazolam) and Related
Benzodiazepines
Erythromycin has been reported to decrease the
clearance of triazolam and midazolam, and thus, may increase the pharmacologic
effect of these benzodiazepines.
HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
Erythromycin has been reported to increase concentrations
of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (e.g., lovastatin and simvastatin). Rare
reports of rhabdomyolysis have been reported in patients taking these drugs
concomitantly.
Sildenafil (Viagra)
Erythromycin has been reported to increase the
systemic exposure (AUC) of sildenafil. Reduction of sildenafil dosage should
be considered. (See Viagra package insert.)
There have been spontaneous or published reports of CYP3A
based interactions of erythromycin with cyclosporine, carbamazepine, tacrolimus,
alfentanil, disopyramide, rifabutin, quinidine, methylprednisolone, cilostazol,
vinblastine, and bromocriptine.
Concomitant
administration of erythromycin with cisapride, pimozide, astemizole, or terfenadine
is contraindicated. (See CONTRAINDICATIONS .)
In addition, there have been reports of interactions of
erythromycin with drugs not thought to be metabolized by CYP3A, including
hexobarbital, phenytoin, and valproate.
Erythromycin
has been reported to significantly alter the metabolism of the nonsedating
antihistamines terfenadine and astemizole when taken concomitantly. Rare
cases of serious cardiovascular adverse events, including electrocardiographic
QT/QTc interval prolongation, cardiac arrest, torsades de pointes,
and other ventricular arrhythmias have been observed. (See CONTRAINDICATIONS.) In addition, deaths have been reported rarely with concomitant
administration of terfenadine and erythromycin.
There
have been post-marketing reports of drug interactions when erythromycin was
coadministered with cisapride, resulting in QT prolongation, cardiac arrhythmias,
ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and torsades de pointes
most likely due to the inhibition of hepatic metabolism of cisapride by erythromycin.
Fatalities have been reported. (See CONTRAINDICATIONS.)
Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions
Erythromycin interferes with the fluorometric determination
of urinary catecholamines.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
Long-term (2-year) oral studies conducted in rats
with erythromycin base did not provide evidence of tumorigenicity. Mutagenicity
studies have not been conducted. There was no apparent effect on male or
female fertility in rats fed erythromycin (base) at levels up to 0.25 percent
of diet.
Pregnancy
Teratogenic effects
Pregnancy Category B
There is no evidence of teratogenicity or any
other adverse effect on reproduction in female rats fed erythromycin base
(up to 0.25 percent of diet) prior to and during mating, during gestation,
and through weaning of two successive litters. There are, however, no adequate
and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction
studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used
during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Labor and Delivery
The effect of erythromycin on labor and delivery
is unknown.
Nursing Mothers
Erythromycin is excreted in human milk. Caution
should be exercised when erythromycin is administered to a nursing woman.
Pediatric Use
See INDICATIONS AND USAGE and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.
Adverse Reactions
The most frequent side effects of oral erythromycin
preparations are gastrointestinal and are dose-related. They include nausea,
vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea and anorexia. Symptoms of hepatitis, hepatic
dysfunction and/or abnormal liver function test results may occur. (See WARNINGS.)
Onset of
pseudomembranous colitis symptoms may occur during or after antibacterial
treatment. (See WARNINGS.)
Erythromycin has been associated with QT prolongation and
ventricular arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia and torsades de
pointes.
Allergic reactions ranging from urticaria
to anaphylaxis have occurred. Skin reactions ranging from mild eruptions
to erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis
have been reported rarely.
There have been rare
reports of pancreatitis and convulsions.
There
have been isolated reports of reversible hearing loss occurring chiefly in
patients with renal insufficiency and in patients receiving high doses of
erythromycin.
Overdosage
In case of overdosage, erythromycin should be discontinued.
Overdosage should be handled with the prompt elimination of unabsorbed drug
and all other appropriate measures should be instituted.
Erythromycin is not removed by peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis.
Ery-Tab Dosage and Administration
In most patients, Ery-Tab (erythromycin delayed-release
tablets) are well absorbed and may be given without regard to meals.
Adults
The usual dose is 250 mg four times daily in equally
spaced doses. The 333 mg tablet is recommended if dosage is desired every
8 hours. If twice-a-day dosage is desired, the recommended dose is 500 mg
every 12 hours. Dosage may be increased up to 4 g per day according to the
severity of the infection. However, twice-a-day dosing is not recommended
when doses larger than 1 g daily are administered.
Children
Age, weight, and severity of the infection are important
factors in determining the proper dosage. The usual dosage is 30 to 50 mg/kg/day,
in equally divided doses. For more severe infections, this dose may be doubled
but should not exceed 4 g per day.
In the treatment of streptococcal infections of the upper
respiratory tract (e.g., tonsillitis or pharyngitis), the therapeutic dosage
of erythromycin should be administered for at least ten days.
The American Heart Association suggests a dosage of 250
mg of erythromycin orally, twice a day in long-term prophylaxis of streptococcal
upper respiratory tract infections for the prevention of recurring attacks
of rheumatic fever in patients allergic to penicillin and sulfonamides.3
Conjunctivitis of the Newborn Caused by Chlamydia
trachomatis
Oral erythromycin suspension 50 mg/kg/day in 4 divided
doses for at least 2 weeks.3
Pneumonia of Infancy Caused by Chlamydia
trachomatis
Although the optimal duration of therapy has not
been established, the recommended therapy is oral erythromycin suspension
50 mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses for at least 3 weeks.
Urogenital Infections During Pregnancy Due to Chlamydia
trachomatis
Although the optimal dose and duration of therapy
have not been established, the suggested treatment is 500 mg of erythromycin
by mouth four times a day or two erythromycin 333 mg tablets orally every
8 hours on an empty stomach for at least 7 days. For women who cannot
tolerate this regimen, a decreased dose of one erythromycin 500 mg tablet
orally every 12 hours, one 333 mg tablet orally every 8 hours or 250 mg by
mouth four times a day should be used for at least 14 days.5
For Adults With Uncomplicated
Urethral, Endocervical, or Rectal Infections Caused by Chlamydia
trachomatis, When Tetracycline is Contraindicated or Not Tolerated
500 mg of erythromycin by mouth
four times a day or two 333 mg tablets orally every 8 hours for at least
7 days.5
For Patients With Nongonococcal Urethritis Caused by Ureaplasma
Urealyticum When Tetracycline is Contraindicated or Not Tolerated
500 mg of erythromycin by mouth four times a day
or two 333 mg tablets orally every 8 hours for at least seven days.5
Primary Syphilis
30 to 40 g given in divided doses over a period
of 10 to 15 days.
Acute Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Caused by N.
Gonorrhoeae
500 mg Erythrocin Lactobionate-I.V. (erythromycin
lactobionate for injection, USP) every 6 hours for 3 days, followed by
500 mg of erythromycin base orally every 12 hours, or 333 mg of erythromycin
base orally every 8 hours for 7 days.
Intestinal Amebiasis
Adults
500 mg every 12 hours, 333 mg every 8 hours or
250 mg every 6 hours for 10 to 14 days.
Children
30 to 50 mg/kg/day in divided doses for 10 to
14 days.
Pertussis
Although optimal dosage and duration have not been
established, doses of erythromycin utilized in reported clinical studies were
40 to 50 mg/kg/day, given in divided doses for 5 to 14 days.
Legionnaires' Disease
Although optimal dosage has not been established,
doses utilized in reported clinical data were 1 to 4 grams daily in divided
doses.
Preoperative Prophylaxis for Elective Colorectal Surgery
Listed below is an example of a recommended bowel
preparation regimen. A proposed surgery time of 8:00 a.m. has been used.
Pre-op Day 3: Minimum residue or clear liquid diet. Bisacodyl,
1 tablet orally at 6:00 p.m.
Pre-op Day 2: Minimum
residue or clear liquid diet. Magnesium sulfate, 30 mL, 50% solution (15
g) orally at 10:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Enema at 7:00 p.m. and 8:00
p.m.
Pre-op Day 1: Clear liquid diet. Supplemental
(IV) fluids as needed. Magnesium sulfate, 30 mL, 50% solution (15 g) orally
at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Neomycin sulfate (1.0 g) and erythromycin base
(two 500 mg tablets, three 333 mg tablets or four 250 mg tablets) orally at
1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. No enema.
Day
of Operation: Patient evacuates rectum at 6:30 a.m. for scheduled operation
at 8:00 a.m.
How is Ery-Tab Supplied
Ery-Tab (erythromycin delayed-release tablets, USP)
are supplied as white oval enteric-coated tablets debossed on one side with
the Abbott “A” logo, and
on the other side with a two letter Abbo-Code designation, EC for the 250
mg tablets, EH for the 333 mg tablets, and ED for the 500 mg tablets, in the
following package sizes:
250 mg tablets: bottles
of 100 (NDC 0074-6304-13), bottles of
500 (NDC 0074-6304-53), and Abbo-Pac® unit
dose packages of 100 (NDC 0074-6304-11).
333 mg tablets: bottles of 100 (NDC 0074-6320-13), bottles of 500 (NDC 0074-6320-53),
and Abbo-Pac® unit dose packages of 100 (NDC 0074-6320-11).
500 mg tablets: bottles
of 100 (NDC 0074-6321-13), and Abbo-Pac® unit
dose packages of 100 (NDC 0074-6321-11).
Recommended Storage
Store below 86°F (30°C).
REFERENCES
- National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards. Methods
for Dilution Antimicrobial Susceptibility Tests for Bacteria that Grow Aerobically, Third Edition. Approved Standard NCCLS Document M7-A3, Vol.
13, No. 25 NCCLS, Villanova, PA, December 1993.
- National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards, Performance
Standards for Antimicrobial Disk Susceptibility Tests, Fifth Edition.
Approved Standard NCCLS Document M2-A5, Vol. 13, No. 24 NCCLS, Villanova,
PA, December 1993.
- Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis, and Kawasaki Disease of
the Council on Cardiovascular Disease in the Young, the American Heart Association:
Prevention of Rheumatic Fever. Circulation.
78(4):1082-1086, October 1988.
- Honein, M.A., et. al.: Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis after
pertussis prophylaxis with erythromycin: a case review and cohort study.
The Lancet 1999; 354 (9196):2101-5.
- Data on file, Abbott Laboratories.
333 mg and 500 mg tablets-U.S. Pat. No. 4,340,582
Abbott Laboratories
North Chicago,
IL 60064, U.S.A.
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