Feeling sick (nausea)

Stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food while you're taking this medicine. It might help to take your erythromycin with a meal or snack.

Being sick (vomiting)

Take small, frequent sips of fluids, such as water or squash to avoid dehydration . Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee. Do not take any other medicines without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor . If you take the combined contraceptive pill or the progestogen-only pill and erythromycin makes you sick (vomit), your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet to find out what to do.

Drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration . Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee. Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor. If you take the combined contraceptive pill or the progestogen-only pill and you have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet for advice.

Try to rest and relax. It can help to eat and drink slowly and have smaller, more frequent meals. Putting a heat pad or covered hot water bottle on your stomach may also help. If you are in a lot of pain, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Eat when you would usually expect to be hungry. If it helps, eat smaller meals more often than usual. Snack when you're hungry.

Bloating and indigestion

Try not to eat foods that cause farting (flatulence), like lentils, peas, beans and onions. Eat smaller meals, eat and drink slowly, and exercise regularly. Pharmacy medicines, like simeticone , can also help.

Erythromycin

Brand names: Erythrocin, Erythroped, Erymax, Erythroped A, Tiloryth. Find out how erythromycin treats chest and skin infections, ear infections and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and how to take it.

About erythromycin
Who can and cannot take it
How and when to take it
Side effects
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility
Taking erythromycin with other medicines and herbal supplements
Common questions

Erythromycin

Related conditions

Useful resources