Erythromycin (Erythromycin Base) - Side Effects and Adverse Reactions

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.

REPORTS OF SUSPECTED ERYTHROMYCIN SIDE EFFECTS / ADVERSE REACTIONS

Possible Erythromycin side effects / adverse reactions in 20 year old male

Reported by a health professional (non-physician/pharmacist) from United Kingdom on 2011-10-03

Patient: 20 year old male

Reactions: Liver Injury, Hepatic Necrosis, Brain Herniation, Intentional Overdose, Drug Interaction, Cholestasis, Toxicity TO Various Agents, Sepsis, Brain Oedema, Acute Hepatic Failure, Ammonia Increased, Intracranial Pressure Increased, Multiple Drug Overdose

Adverse event resulted in: death, hospitalization

Suspect drug(s):
Acetaminophen
    Dosage: unk
    Administration route: Oral
    Indication: Completed Suicide

Antidepressants
    Dosage: unk
    Administration route: Oral
    Indication: Completed Suicide

Erythromycin
    Dosage: unk
    Administration route: Oral
    Indication: Completed Suicide

Loperamide
    Administration route: Oral

Amoxicillin
    Dosage: unk
    Administration route: Oral
    Indication: Completed Suicide

Iron
    Dosage: unk
    Administration route: Oral
    Indication: Completed Suicide

Possible Erythromycin side effects / adverse reactions in 30 year old female

Reported by a consumer/non-health professional from United States on 2011-10-04

Patient: 30 year old female

Reactions: Anaphylactic Shock

Suspect drug(s):
Levofloxacin
    Dosage: unk
    Indication: Product Used FOR Unknown Indication

Ciprofloxacin
    Dosage: unk
    Indication: Product Used FOR Unknown Indication

Erythromycin
    Dosage: unk
    Indication: Product Used FOR Unknown Indication

Minocycline HCL
    Dosage: unk
    Indication: Product Used FOR Unknown Indication

Cefaclor
    Dosage: unk
    Indication: Product Used FOR Unknown Indication

Cefcapene
    Dosage: unk
    Indication: Product Used FOR Unknown Indication

Cefcapene Pivoxil Hydrochloride
    Dosage: unk
    Indication: Product Used FOR Unknown Indication

Possible Erythromycin side effects / adverse reactions in 20 year old male

Reported by a health professional (non-physician/pharmacist) from United Kingdom on 2011-10-05

Patient: 20 year old male

Reactions: Hepatic Necrosis, Pupillary Light Reflex Tests Abnormal, Completed Suicide, Brain Oedema, Acute Hepatic Failure, Toxicity TO Various Agents, Multiple Drug Overdose

Adverse event resulted in: death

Suspect drug(s):
Erythromycin
    Administration route: Oral
    Indication: Product Used FOR Unknown Indication

Loperamide HCL
    Administration route: Oral
    Indication: Product Used FOR Unknown Indication

Acetaminophen
    Administration route: Oral
    Indication: Product Used FOR Unknown Indication

Amoxicillin
    Administration route: Oral
    Indication: Product Used FOR Unknown Indication

Ferrous Sulfate TAB
    Administration route: Oral
    Indication: Product Used FOR Unknown Indication