Dosage
The usual dose of erythromycin is 250mg to 1,000mg, taken 4 times a day. Sometimes it's taken twice a day. The dose may be lower for children.
How to take it
Swallow erythromycin tablets or capsules whole with a drink of water. Do not chew or break them.
Liquid erythromycin is for children and people who find it difficult to swallow tablets.
If you or your child are taking erythromycin as a liquid, it will usually be made up for you by your pharmacist. The medicine will come with a syringe or spoon to help you take the right amount. If you do not have a syringe or spoon, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure out the right amount.
Try to space the doses evenly throughout the day. For example, if you need 4 doses a day, you could take them first thing in the morning, midday, late in the afternoon and at bedtime.
Generally, it's better to take erythromycin with food so it does not upset your stomach.
How long to take it for
Your doctor will tell you how long to take erythromycin for.
If you're taking erythromycin for a skin infection, you may need to take it for several weeks to see an improvement.
Important
Carry on taking this medicine until you finish the course, even if you feel better. If you stop your treatment early, your problem could come back.
If you forget to take it
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In this case, just leave out the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.
Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.
If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.
If you take too much
Try to take the correct number of doses each day, leaving at least 4 hours between doses.
Taking an extra dose of erythromycin is unlikely to harm you or your child. It may, however, increase the chance of temporary side effects, such as hearing loss, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea.
Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you're worried, or if you or your child takes more than 1 extra dose.