Erythromycin
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Erythromycin in Perth during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information
Note: This handout is meant to address questions people often ask. It does not include every detail that exists about this medicine. It also does not replace the medical guidance you receive from your veterinary care team.
- This is an antibiotic medicine used for bacterial infections. It is also sometimes used to help food move along through the stomach and intestines.
- Give this medicine when the stomach is empty, roughly 2 hours before eating or 2 hours after eating.
- Do not give this medicine to rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice, hamsters, or other small “pocket” pets.
- Possible side effects include throwing up, loose stools, or eating less.
Description
- This medicine belongs to a group of antibiotics called macrolides (a type of antibiotic).
- You can get it as tablets, capsules, or a liquid taken by mouth.
Other common names
Erythrocin, Ery-tab, E.E.S.
Uses
This medicine is approved for people. However, your veterinarian may choose to use it in animals in a way not specifically listed on the label (extra-label). It may be used for:
- Treating infections in dogs, cats, and other animals
- Helping food move through the stomach and intestines in dogs, cats, and other animals
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any medicines or supplements your animal is currently receiving
- Any health problems your animal has now, or has had before
- Any bad reactions your animal has had to medicines in the past
- The possible risks of using this medicine if your animal is pregnant or nursing
Warnings for animals
Do not use in:
- Animals that have an allergy to erythromycin
- Rabbits, guinea pigs, rodents, or other pocket pets
Use with caution in animals with:
- Liver disease
- Heart rhythm problems (problems with the heart’s normal timing of beats)
- The MDR1 genetic mutation (a known gene change that can affect how some animals handle certain medicines)
Some animal competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is taking this medicine.
Warnings for humans
- Wash your hands after you handle any medicine.
How do I give this medication?
Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian prescribed it.
- Give on an empty stomach, about 2 hours before or after a meal. If your animal throws up after getting the dose on an empty stomach, try giving it with a small amount of food.
- Do not split, crush, or open tablets or capsules that are delayed-release (made to release the medicine later).
- If you are using a liquid form, shake it well each time before giving a dose.
- For liquid doses, use an oral syringe, a medicine measuring cup, or a dosing spoon. Do not use kitchen spoons or other household measuring tools.
Side effects of Erythromycin
Common — contact your veterinarian if these problems are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite
Severe — stop giving the medicine and contact your veterinarian right away if you notice:
- Complete loss of appetite, especially in cats
How will I know it's working?
If your animal’s symptoms get worse or do not get better, contact your veterinary clinic.
How long will the medication effects last?
- Your animal should begin to feel better within 1 to 2 days.
- The medicine will no longer have an effect within 24 hours after the final dose.
- The effect may continue longer if your animal’s liver function is reduced.
How long do I give it for?
This medicine may be prescribed for different time periods. Keep giving it for the full length of time your veterinarian instructs. A refill may be needed.
It is important to give the entire prescribed course, even if your animal seems improved.
Overdose
If you see an overdose happen, or you think one may have happened, contact your veterinarian right away.
If possible, have the medicine container or label available.
Missed dose
In most situations, if a dose is missed:
- Give the dose as soon as you remember, and then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the regular scheduled time.
- Continue with the normal schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once or give extra doses.
Storage
- Keep tablets and capsules at room temperature in the original container.
- Keep liquid medicine at room temperature before it is mixed. After mixing, follow the storage directions written on your animal’s prescription.
- Store where children and animals cannot reach it.
Disposal
- After a liquid is mixed with water, it should be thrown away 10 to 35 days later, depending on the specific product. Follow the directions on your animal’s prescription.
- Do not pour this medicine into a toilet or down a sink.
- Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Drug take-back sites: This is the preferred option when available. To locate a nearby site, contact local law enforcement or your waste management office.
- Home disposal: Combine the medicine with coffee grounds or kitty litter, place it in a sealed plastic bag, and put it in the trash.
- Do not keep leftover medicine for later use and do not give it to anyone else.
Questions?
Speak with your veterinarian.
“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.”