Erythromycin (Erymax / Erythrocin / Erythroped / Erythroped A)

Erythromycin (Erymax / Erythrocin / Erythroped / Erythroped A) is an antibiotic drug that is often used in patients who are allergic to penicillin. It is active against a range of respiratory tract infections, as well as chlamydia, syphilis and gonorrhoea. It is produced from a fungus that grows in the soil, and works by preventing bacteria from making new protein molecules.

Erythromycin is available in tablets, capsules, suspensions, solutions for use in the eye, ointments and gels.

Erythromycin commonly causes the side-effects of diarrhoea, nausea, stomach pain and vomiting. It can also cause temporary hearing loss and allergic reactions in rare cases.

Drugs that delay the breakdown of erythromycin by interfering with the CYP3A4 enzyme may cause dangerous heart problems, which can be fatal. For this reason, it should be taken with care in patients taking the protease inhibitors fosamprenavir (Telzir), lopinavir, ritonavir (Norvir) or tipranavir (Aptivus). Other protease inhibitors and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) do not interact with erythromycin.

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Community Consensus Statement on Access to HIV Treatment and its Use for Prevention

Together, we can make it happen

We can end HIV soon if people have equal access to HIV drugs as treatment and as PrEP, and have free choice over whether to take them.

Launched today, the Community Consensus Statement is a basic set of principles aimed at making sure that happens.

The Community Consensus Statement is a joint initiative of AVAC, EATG, MSMGF, GNP+, HIV i-Base, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, ITPC and NAM/aidsmap
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This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.

NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.