Erythromycin

DRUG INFORMATION

  ADULT
    - However, optimal blood levels are obtained when erythromycin delayed-release
      tablets, 250 mg, erythromycin delayed-release tablets, 333 mg and erythromycin
      delayed-release tablets, 500 mg tablets are given in the fasting state (at least
      1/2 hour and preferably 2 hours before meals).
      Source: US FDA label for erythromycin (ERYTHROMYCIN), section 'dosage and
      administration', retrieved 2026-08-29
    - Adults The usual dose is 250 mg four times daily in equally spaced doses.
      Source: US FDA label for erythromycin (ERYTHROMYCIN), section 'dosage and
      administration', retrieved 2026-08-29
    - The 333 mg tablet is recommended if dosage is desired every 8 hours.
      Source: US FDA label for erythromycin (ERYTHROMYCIN), section 'dosage and
      administration', retrieved 2026-08-29

  CHILD
    - In most patients, erythromycin delayed-release tablets, are well absorbed and may
      be dosed orally without regard to meals. However, optimal blood levels are
      obtained when erythromycin delayed-release tablets, 250 mg, erythromycin delayed-
      release tablets, 333 mg and erythromycin delayed-release tablets, 500 mg tablets
      are given in the fasting state (at least 1/2 hour and preferably 2 hours before
      meals).
      Source: US FDA label for erythromycin (ERYTHROMYCIN), section 'dosage and
      administration', retrieved 2026-08-29
    - The usual dosage is 30 to 50 mg/kg/day, in equally divided doses.
      Source: US FDA label for erythromycin (ERYTHROMYCIN), section 'dosage and
      administration', retrieved 2026-08-29
    - 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.1 Conjunctivitis of the Newborn Caused by
      Chlamydia trachomatis Oral erythromycin suspension 50 mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses
      for at least 2 weeks.
      Source: US FDA label for erythromycin (ERYTHROMYCIN), section 'dosage and
      administration', retrieved 2026-08-29

  RENAL IMPAIRMENT
    - No kidney-impairment dose in this label. Not a statement that none is needed.
      Source: Read and found silent: the US FDA label for erythromycin (ERYTHROMYCIN),
      retrieved 2026-08-29

  HEPATIC IMPAIRMENT
    - No liver-impairment dose in this label. Not a statement that none is needed.
      Source: Read and found silent: the US FDA label for erythromycin (ERYTHROMYCIN),
      retrieved 2026-08-29

  PREGNANCY
    - Teratogenic Effects There is no evidence of teratogenicity or any other adverse
      effect on reproduction in female rats fed erythromycin base by oral gavage at 350
      mg/kg/day (approximately twice the maximum recommended human dose on a body
      surface area) prior to and during mating, during gestation, and through weaning.
      Source: US FDA label for erythromycin (ERYTHROMYCIN), section 'pregnancy',
      retrieved 2026-08-29
    - No evidence of teratogenicity or embryotoxicity was observed when erythromycin
      base was given by oral gavage to pregnant rats and mice at 700 mg/kg/day and to
      pregnant rabbits at 125 mg/kg/day (approximately 1 to 3 times the maximum
      recommended human dose).
      Source: US FDA label for erythromycin (ERYTHROMYCIN), section 'pregnancy',
      retrieved 2026-08-29

  BREASTFEEDING   [ CAUTION ]
    The label allows it only when the benefit is judged to outweigh the risk. Read the
      quote below.
    - Caution should be exercised when erythromycin is administered to a nursing woman.
      Source: US FDA label for erythromycin (ERYTHROMYCIN), section 'nursing mothers',
      retrieved 2026-08-29