Erythromycin
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Erythromycin for pets in Perth during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
(er-ith-roe-mye-sin)
Description:
This medicine is an antibiotic in the macrolide group (a type of antibiotic).
Other Names for this Medication:
- Erythrocin
- E-mycin
- Ery-tab
- E.E.S.
Common Dosage Forms:
- For animals:
- there are no animal-specific products.
- For people:
- it comes as tablets, capsules, and liquids you swallow.
This handout does not include every piece of information that exists about this medicine. It is meant to help with common questions, but it does not replace medical guidance. If you have more questions or need additional details about this medicine, contact your veterinarian or your pharmacist.
Key Information – Erythromycin for pets
- Antibiotic used to treat many kinds of infections.
- Do not give this medicine to rabbits, guinea pigs, rodents, or other small “pocket pets.”
- Possible side effects include throwing up, loose stools, or eating less.
- This medicine can be given either with food or without food.
How is this medication useful?
Erythromycin is used in different kinds of animals for two main reasons:
- to treat infections caused by bacteria
- to support the normal movement of food through the stomach and intestines.
What should I tell my veterinarian to see if this medication can be safely given?
Many factors can change how well this medicine works for your animal. Talk with your veterinarian about the points below so you can decide together on the best plan.
- Make sure your veterinarian and pharmacist know about every product your animal receives, including medicines, vitamins, supplements, or herbal products.
- Also share how much you give and when you give each one.
- Tell your veterinarian about any health problems your animal has now, or has had before.
- If your animal has had treatment in the past for the same illness or problem, explain what was used and whether it helped or did not help.
- If your animal is pregnant or nursing, discuss with your veterinarian what risks may come with using this medicine.
- Tell your veterinarian and pharmacist about any past medicine-related problems your animal has had, including:
- allergic reactions
- not wanting to eat
- diarrhea
- itching
- hair loss.
How long until I will know if this medication is working, and how long will the effects of this medication last?
This medicine should begin to take effect within 1 to 2 hours. Your animal should begin to seem improved within 1 to 2 days.
This medicine does not last long in the body. It generally stops working within 24 hours. If your animal’s liver does not work as well as normal, the effects may continue for a longer time.
When should this medication not be used or be used very carefully?
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Your veterinarian will talk with you about any concerns that apply to your animal.
This medication SHOULD NOT be used in:
- Animals that have an allergy to this medicine or to related medicines such as clarithromycin or azithromycin.
- Rabbits, guinea pigs, rodents, or other pocket pets, or adult horses.
This medication should be used WITH CAUTION in:
- Animals with liver disease.
- Animals that have an abnormal heart rhythm (an uneven heartbeat).
- Dogs that have the MDR1 genetic mutation.
What are the side effects of this medication?
Side effects that are usually not serious include:
You do not need to be highly worried if you notice these signs unless they are strong, get worse, or do not go away. If that happens, contact your veterinarian.
- Diarrhea.
- Vomiting.
- Reduced appetite.
If my animal gets too much of this medication (an overdose), what should I do?
If you see an overdose happen, or you think one may have happened, contact your veterinarian right away or call an animal poison control service for guidance.
How should this medication be given?
To make sure this medicine works as intended, give it exactly the way your veterinarian instructed. Always read the prescription label so you confirm you are giving it the correct way.
- You may give this medicine with food or without food.
- If you are using a liquid form:
- shake it well each time before giving a dose
- measure the dose carefully.
- Your veterinarian or pharmacist can provide special measuring spoons or syringes.
- If giving this medicine is difficult for your animal, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist for ideas on how to give doses in a way that lowers stress.
- This medicine may be prescribed for different lengths of time.
- Make sure you clearly understand how long your veterinarian wants you to keep giving it.
- You may need prescription refills before the full course is finished.
- Do not stop this medicine without speaking with your veterinarian first, because there may be important reasons to keep using it.
What should I do if I miss giving a dose of this medication?
If you forget a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not give the missed one; instead, give the next dose at the normal time. Then continue with the usual schedule. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
How should I store this medication?
- Keep this medicine in the original prescription container, or in another approved container used to organize doses (for example, a pill minder).
- Store it at normal room temperature.
- Some liquid versions may need refrigeration.
- Follow the directions on the product label.
- Store it where children and other animals cannot reach it.
Can handling this medication be hazardous to me, my family, or other animals?
No special handling steps are needed unless you are allergic to this medicine. After you handle any medicine, wash your hands.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
- Do not put this medicine into the toilet and do not pour it into a sink.
- If your area has a community medicine “take-back” option, use that.
- If there is no take-back option:
- combine the medicine with coffee grounds or cat litter.
- Put that mixture into a sealable plastic bag so it cannot leak, and place the sealed bag in the household trash.
- Do not keep leftover medicine to use later, and do not give it to anyone else.
What other information is important for this medication?
- This medicine may be prohibited in some animal competitions.
- Before entering a competition while your animal is receiving this medicine, check the rules.
- If you have any other questions about this medicine, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”