Erythromycin Dosage: What You Need to Know About Dosing, Side Effects, and Safety
When your doctor prescribes erythromycin, a macrolide antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections like pneumonia, strep throat, and skin infections. Also known as Erythrocin, it works by stopping bacteria from growing, not killing them outright. Getting the erythromycin dosage right matters—too little won’t clear the infection, too much can wreck your gut or trigger serious reactions.
Most adults take erythromycin in doses of 250 to 500 mg every 6 hours, or 333 mg every 8 hours, depending on the infection. For kids, it’s based on weight—usually 30 to 50 mg per kg per day, split into doses. You’ll often see it prescribed for 7 to 14 days. But here’s the catch: it’s not like taking a painkiller. erythromycin needs to be taken on an empty stomach—1 hour before or 2 hours after food—because food cuts its absorption by up to 40%. That’s why many people feel nauseous: the drug sits in your stomach longer, irritating it. If that’s too rough, ask your doctor about the enteric-coated version. It’s designed to pass through your stomach and dissolve in your intestines, where it’s absorbed better and causes less upset.
Some infections need different rules. For acne, you might get a lower daily dose for weeks or months. For whooping cough, it’s given early and often. And if you’re allergic to penicillin, erythromycin is often the go-to alternative—but it’s not perfect. About 1 in 10 people report stomach cramps, diarrhea, or vomiting. Rarely, it can cause liver issues or a dangerous heart rhythm called QT prolongation, especially if you’re on other meds like statins or antidepressants. That’s why your doctor needs to know everything you’re taking. Also, don’t skip doses or stop early just because you feel better. Bacteria come back stronger if you do.
What you’ll find in the posts below
You’ll see real-world advice on how erythromycin stacks up against other antibiotics like tetracycline or azithromycin, how food affects its performance, and what to do if you miss a dose. There’s also info on spotting dangerous reactions—like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome—that can show up days after you start taking it. You’ll learn why some people can’t take it at all, how to tell if it’s working, and what to do if side effects hit hard. This isn’t just a list of doses. It’s a guide to using erythromycin safely, effectively, and without surprises.