Generic Name
Erythromycin

Brand Name
Multiple human brands

Type of Drug
Antibiotic

Form and Storage
Tablet, capsule, oral suspension, and injectable
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container protected from light. Refrigerate the oral suspension.

Indications for Use
Treatment of susceptible bacterial infections.

General Information
Only the injectable form is FDA approved for use in dogs and cats; although, it is a common and accepted practice to use the other forms also. Available by prescription. Several chemically different forms of erythromycin are available. Usually bacteriostatic, but at high doses, may be bacteriocidal.

Usual Dose and Administration
Dogs and Cats: 2.25-9 mg/pound by mouth (tablet, capsule, oral suspension) every 8 hours. Duration of treatment depends on reason for treatment and response to treatment.

Side Effects
May see lack of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Contraindications/Warnings
Not for use in patients hypersensitive (allergic) to it.

Do not use in pregnant or nursing animals.

Use with caution in animals with liver disease.

Drug or Food Interactions
Do not use in combination with clindamycin, lincomycin, chloramphenicol, or penicillin.

May cause theophylline or digoxin levels to rise to toxic levels, and may increase the levels of terfenadine possibly causing severe heart problems.

May increase bleeding time if used with warfarin.

May decrease the metabolism of methylprednisolone (a steroid).

Phenytoin may increase the levels of erythromycin.

Food decreases the absorption of erythromycin, but small meals may need to be given with the medication to decrease side effects.

Overdose/Toxicity
Unlikely. May see lack of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea.