Consumer medicine information

Mayne Pharma Erythromycin Capsules

Erythromycin

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Mayne Pharma Erythromycin

Active ingredient

Erythromycin

Schedule

S4

 

Consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using Mayne Pharma Erythromycin Capsules.

SUMMARY CMI

Mayne Pharma Erythromycin Capsules

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary

The full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

1. Why am I using Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules?

Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules contain the active ingredient erythromycin. They are used to treat infections in different parts of the body caused by bacteria and prevent infections in patients with a history of rheumatic disease who may be allergic to penicillin. For more information, see Section 1. Why am I using Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules? in the full CMI.

2. What should I know before I use Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules?

Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to erythromycin or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.

Do not use if you have severe liver problems. Do not use if you have ever had changes in the rhythm or rate of the heartbeat, or disturbances in your electrolyte levels. Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I use Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules? in the full CMI.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Some medicines may interfere with Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules and affect how they work. A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.

4. How do I use Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules?

  • For treating most infections, the usual adult dose of Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules is one 250 mg capsule four times a day or two 250 mg capsules twice a day. For the long-term prevention of streptococcal infections in persons with a history of rheumatic heart disease and an allergy to penicillin, the usual dose is one 250 mg capsule twice a day.
  • Swallow the capsules whole with a full glass of water. Do not chew or crush the capsule. Do not take with food.

More instructions can be found in Section 4. How do I use Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules? in the full CMI.

5. What should I know while using Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules?

Things you should do
  • Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using erythromycin.
  • Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if you get severe diarrhoea, if you get a sore, white mouth or tongue while taking or soon after stopping Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules, if you get vaginal itching or discharge or if you become pregnant.
Things you should not do
  • Do not take the capsules to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
  • Do not give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
  • Do not stop taking your medicine or lower the dosage because you are feeling better, unless advised by your doctor.
Driving or using machines
  • Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules affect you.
Looking after your medicine
  • Keep your capsules in the pack until it is time to take them.
  • Keep your capsules in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.

For more information, see Section 5. What should I know while using Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules? in the full CMI.

6. Are there any side effects?

Common side effects include mild stomach upsets such as feeling sick, diarrhoea, or mild stomach pains, vomiting and loss of appetite. Serious side effects include yellowing of the skin and eyes, difficulty hearing, hallucinations or confusion, increasingly poor appetite, signs of an allergic reaction (rash, itching or hives on the skin; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body; shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing), chest pain, changes in the rhythm or rate of the heartbeat, convulsions (fits), watery and severe diarrhoea, which may also be bloody, severe abdominal cramps, stomach cramps or stomach pain.

For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section 6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.



FULL CMI

Mayne Pharma Erythromycin Capsules

Active ingredient(s): erythromycin (phonetic pronunciation - eh-RITH-roe-MYE-sin)


Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)

This leaflet provides important information about using Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information or if you have any concerns or questions about using Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules.

Where to find information in this leaflet:

1. Why am I using Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules?
2. What should I know before I use Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules?
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How do I use Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules?
5. What should I know while using Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules?
6. Are there any side effects?
7. Product details

1. Why am I using Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules?

Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules contain the active ingredient erythromycin. Erythromycin is an antibiotic which belongs to a group of medicines called macrolides.

Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules are used to treat infections in different parts of the body caused by bacteria and to prevent infections in patients with a history of rheumatic disease who may be allergic to penicillin. This medicine works by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria which cause infections. It will not work against viral infections such as colds or flu.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why this medicine has been prescribed for you. Your doctor may have prescribed it for another reason.

This medicine is not addictive.

2. What should I know before I use Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules?

Warnings

Do not use Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules if:

  • you are allergic to erythromycin, or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet. Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
  • you have ever had changes in the rhythm or rate of the heartbeat, or disturbances in your electrolyte levels.
  • you have severe liver problems.
  • you are taking any of the following medications:
    - cisapride, a medicine which helps move food through the digestive system
    - pimozide, a medicine used to treat some psychiatric (mental) conditions
    - ergotamine or dihydroergotamine, medicines used to treat migraine headache
    - astemizole or terfenadine, medicines used to treat allergy
    - some medicines used to treat irregular heartbeats
    - medicines used to lower high blood cholesterol, such as lovastatin, simvastatin and atorvastatin.

Check with your doctor if you:

  • have any other medical conditions, especially:
    - liver problems
    - irregular or very slow heartbeat
    - myasthenia gravis, a condition in which the muscles become weak and tire easily.
  • have allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes.
  • take any medicines for any other condition.
  • need any surgical procedures. This medicine is not suitable prior to surgery relating to the gastrointestinal tract or genital and urinary organs.

During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information under Section 6. Are there any side effects?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.

Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.

Your doctor can discuss with you the risks and benefits involved.

The active ingredient of Mayne Pharma Erythromycin may cross the placenta in pregnant women and is excreted in breast milk. Information from studies regarding the risk of birth defects is inconsistent, but some studies have reported heart defects following erythromycin use in early pregnancy.

Erythromycin should be used by women during pregnancy or while breast-feeding only if clearly needed.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines and Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules may interfere with each other. These include:

  • theophylline, a medicine used to treat asthma
  • methylprednisolone or other corticosteroids given by mouth, by injection or inhaled (used to help suppress the body's immune system - this is useful in treating a wide range of conditions)
  • some medicines used for epilepsy such as carbamazepine, phenytoin and valproate
  • alfentanil, a medicine used to relieve pain and produce anaesthesia
  • digoxin, a drug used to treat heart failure or heart disease
  • some medicines used to treat irregular heartbeats, such as quinidine, disopyramide, procainamide, amiodarone and sotalol
  • medicines used to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis
  • medicines used to treat or prevent malaria such as hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine
  • some medicines used to treat high blood pressure or angina such as verapamil, amlodipine and diltiazem
  • alprazolam, triazolam or midazolam, medicines used to produce sleep or drowsiness and to relieve anxiety
  • medicines used to prevent blood clots, such as warfarin and rivaroxaban
  • medicines used to prevent organ transplant rejection or to treat certain problems with the immune system, such as cyclosporin and tacrolimus
  • medicines used to lower high blood cholesterol, such as lovastatin, simvastatin and atorvastatin
  • the antibiotics clindamycin, lincomycin, penicillin and rifabutin
  • medicines used to treat fungal infections such as ketoconazole, itraconazole and fluconazole
  • colchicine, a medicine used in the treatment of gout
  • some medicines for migraine headache such as ergotamine or dihydroergotamine
  • pimozide, a medicine used to treat some psychiatric (mental) conditions
  • cisapride, a medicine which helps food move through the digestive system
  • astemizole or terfenadine, medicines used to treat allergy
  • bromocriptine, a medicine use to treat Parkinson's disease
  • sildenafil, a medicine used to treat impotence
  • vinblastine, a medicine used in the treatment of some types of cancer
  • cimetidine, a medicine used to treat stomach problems, such as ulcers
  • zopiclone, a medicine used for sleeping problems
  • the contraceptive pill (birth control pill). Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules may decrease the effectiveness of some birth control pills. Your doctor may advise you to use an additional method of contraception such as a barrier method while taking Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules and for seven days after finishing the course of Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Some medicines may interfere with Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules and affect how they work.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking and if these affect Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules.

4. How do I use Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules?

How much to take

  • Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you how many capsules you will need to take each day. This depends on your condition and whether or not you are taking any other medicines.
  • For treating most infections, the usual adult dose of Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules is one 250 mg capsule four times a day (every 6 hours) or two 250 mg capsules twice a day (every 12 hours).
  • For the long-term prevention of streptococcal infections in persons with a history of rheumatic heart disease and an allergy to penicillin, the usual dose is one 250 mg capsule twice a day.
  • Swallow the capsules whole with a full glass of water.
  • Do not chew or crush the capsule.
  • Your doctor may ask you to take a different dose, depending on your condition and how you react to the medicine.
  • For treating infections, this medicine is usually taken for one to two weeks. However, your doctor may prescribe it for longer periods.
  • Keep taking this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better after a few days.
  • If you do not complete the full course prescribed by your doctor, the infection may not clear up completely or your symptoms may return.
  • Follow the instructions provided when Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules were prescribed, including the number of days it should be taken.

When to take Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules

  • Take your medicine on an empty stomach, for example one hour before food or two hours after food.
  • Food can interfere with the absorption of this medicine.

If you forget to use Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules

If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.

Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking your medicine as you would normally.

Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.

This may increase the chance of you getting an unwanted side effect.

If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some hints.

If you take too many Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules

If you think that you have taken too many Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules, you may need urgent medical attention.

You should immediately:

  • phone the Poisons Information Centre
    (by calling 13 11 26), or
  • contact your doctor, or
  • go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.

You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

You may need urgent medical attention.

If you take too many Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules you may feel sick (nauseous) or vomit, experience diarrhoea or hearing problems. Other effects may include those listed in the Serious Side Effects section.

5. What should I know while using Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules?

Things you should do

Call your doctor straight away if you:

  • are taking Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules for an infection and your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse.
  • get severe diarrhoea. Do this even if it occurs several weeks after Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules have been stopped.
Diarrhoea may mean that you have a serious condition affecting your bowel. You may need urgent medical care. Do not take any diarrhoea medicine without first checking with your doctor.
  • get a sore, white mouth or tongue while taking or soon after stopping Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules.
  • get vaginal itching or discharge.
This may mean you have a fungal infection called thrush. Sometimes the use of Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules allows fungi to grow and the above symptoms to occur. Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules do not work against fungi.

Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules.

If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, tell your doctor immediately.

If you have to have any blood or urine tests, tell your doctor you are taking this medicine. It may interfere with the results of some tests.

Things you should not do

  • Do not take Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
  • Do not give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
  • Do not stop taking your medicine or lower the dosage because you are feeling better, unless advised by your doctor.
  • If you do not complete the full course prescribed by your doctor, all of the bacteria causing your infection may not be killed. These bacteria may continue to grow and multiply so that your infection may not clear completely, or it may return.

Driving or using machines

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules affect you.

This medicine generally does not cause any problems with your ability to drive a car or operate machinery. However, as with many other medicines, it may cause dizziness in some people. If this occurs do not drive, operate machinery or do anything else that could be dangerous.

Drinking alcohol

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.

Looking after your medicine

  • Follow the instructions in the carton on how to take care of your medicine properly.
  • Keep your capsules in the pack until it is time to take them.
  • If you take the capsules out of the pack, they may not keep well.
  • Keep your capsules in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.

Store it in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight; for example, do not store it:

  • in the bathroom or near a sink, or
  • in the car or on windowsills.

Keep it where children cannot reach it.

A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.

When to discard your medicine

If your doctor tells you to stop taking this medicine or the expiry date has passed, ask your pharmacist what to do with any medicine that is left over.

Getting rid of any unwanted medicine

If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date printed on the pack or if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.

6. Are there any side effects?

All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.

If you are over 65 years of age you may have an increased chance of getting side effects.

See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions about side effects.

Less serious side effects

Less serious side effectsWhat to do
  • mild stomach upsets such as feeling sick, diarrhoea, or mild stomach pains
  • vomiting
  • loss of appetite.
Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry you.

Serious side effects

Serious side effectsWhat to do
  • yellowing of the skin and eyes, also called jaundice
  • difficulty hearing
  • hallucinations or confusion
  • increasingly poor appetite
  • signs of an allergic reaction (for example, rash, itching or hives on the skin; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body; shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing)
  • chest pain
  • changes in the rhythm or rate of the heartbeat
  • convulsions (fits)
  • watery and severe diarrhoea, which may also be bloody
  • severe abdominal cramps, stomach cramps or stomach pain.
Call your doctor straight away, or go straight to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital if you notice any of these serious side effects.

Contact a doctor immediately if you experience a serious skin reaction: a red, scaly rash with bumps under the skin and blisters (exanthematous pustulosis). The frequency of this side effect is not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you feel unwell.

Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.

Reporting side effects

After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop taking any of your medicines.

7. Product details

This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.

What Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules contain

Active ingredient
(main ingredient)
250 mg erythromycin
Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
  • lactose monohydrate
  • povidone
  • cellacefate
  • diethyl phthalate
  • gelatin
  • shellac
  • monobasic potassium phosphate
  • erythrosine
  • indigo carmine
  • sunset yellow FCF
  • carbon black
  • purified water
Potential allergensThis medicine does not contain sucrose or gluten

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.

What Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules look like

Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules are transparent red/yellow capsules, marked Eryc in black. The capsules are filled with white coated pellets. They are available in bottles of 25 capsules (Aust R 195842).

Who distributes Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules

Mayne Pharma International Pty Ltd
1538 Main North Road
Salisbury South, SA 5106
maynepharma.com

This leaflet was prepared in August 2023.

Published by MIMS October 2023

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Mayne Pharma Erythromycin

Active ingredient

Erythromycin

Schedule

S4

 

1 Name of Medicine

Erythromycin.

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

Erythromycin is produced by a strain of Streptomyces erythreus and belongs to the macrolide group of antibiotics. It is basic and readily forms salts with acids.
Each Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsule contains 250 mg erythromycin, comprising of enteric coated pellets of erythromycin for oral administration. The enteric coating on the pellets covers the bitter tasting erythromycin as well as protects the erythromycin from gastric acid destruction during the passage through the stomach.
Mayne Pharma Erythromycin contains lactose. For the full list of excipients, see Section 6.1 List of Excipients.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules are transparent red/yellow capsules imprinted with 'Eryc', containing white enteric coated pellets.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules are indicated in children and adults for the treatment of the following conditions.
Upper respiratory tract infections of mild to moderate degree caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (group A beta haemolytic Streptococci), Streptococcus pneumoniae (Diplococcus pneumoniae).
Lower respiratory tract infections of mild to moderate severity caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (group A beta haemolytic Streptococci), Streptococcus pneumoniae (Diplococcus pneumoniae), acute and chronic bronchitis, pneumonia.
Sinusitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes.
Otitis media due to Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes.
Respiratory tract infections due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Eaton's agent).
Skin and skin structure infections of mild to moderate severity caused by Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus (resistant Staphylococci may emerge during treatment).
Bordetella pertussis. Erythromycin produces early elimination of the causative organism from the nasopharynx although the clinical course of the disease is not altered; therapeutic doses should be continued for at least ten days.
Diphtheria. As an adjunct to antitoxin infections due to Corynebacterium diphtheriae, to prevent establishment of carriers and to eradicate the organism in carriers.
Erythrasma. In the treatment of infections due to Corynebacterium minutissimum.
Infections due to Listeria monocytogenes.
Non-gonococcal urethritis. Chlamydia trachomatis and Ureaplasma urealyticum have been shown to be sensitive to erythromycin and clinical studies have demonstrated its efficacy in urethritis due to these organisms. A minimum of ten days therapy appears to be required.
Chlamydia trachomatis infection (excluding non-gonococcal urethritis). Erythromycin has been shown to be effective in the treatment of trachoma or inclusion body conjunctivitis and pneumonia in infants caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.
Campylobacter fetus (subspecies) jejuni. Infections due to this organism when antibiotic therapy is indicated.
Primary syphilis caused by Treponema pallidum. Erythromycin (oral forms only) is an alternative choice of treatment for primary syphilis in patients allergic to the penicillins. In the treatment of primary syphilis, spinal fluid should be examined before treatment and as part of the follow-up after therapy.
Legionnaires' disease caused by Legionella pneumophila. Although no controlled clinical efficacy studies have been conducted, in vitro and limited preliminary clinical data suggest that erythromycin may be effective in treating Legionnaires' disease.
Prevention of initial attacks of rheumatic fever. Penicillin is considered by the American Heart Association to be the drug of choice in the prevention of initial attacks of rheumatic fever (treatment of group A beta haemolytic streptococcal infections of the upper respiratory tract, e.g. tonsillitis or pharyngitis). Erythromycin is indicated for the treatment of penicillin allergic patients. A therapeutic dose should be administered for ten days.
Prevention of recurrent attacks of rheumatic fever. Penicillin or sulfonamides are considered by the American Heart Association to be the drugs of choice in the prevention of recurrent attacks of rheumatic fever.
In patients who are allergic to penicillin and sulfonamides, oral erythromycin is recommended by the American Heart Association in the long-term prophylaxis of streptococcal pharyngitis (for the prevention of recurrent attacks of rheumatic fever).
Prevention of bacterial endocarditis. Although no controlled clinical efficacy trials have been conducted, oral erythromycin has been suggested by the American Heart Association and the American Dental Association in a regimen for prophylaxis against bacterial endocarditis in patients sensitive to penicillin who have congenital heart disease, or rheumatic or other acquired valvular heart disease when they undergo dental or surgical procedures of the upper respiratory tract.
Erythromycin is not suitable prior to genitourinary or gastrointestinal tract surgery.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

Dosage.

Adults.

250 mg capsules.

The usual dose is 1 gram per day administered as 250 mg every six hours or 500 mg every twelve hours.
Some clinicians believe that twice daily dosing is inadequate for all but minor infections caused by highly susceptible organisms. Twice daily dosing should not be employed when more than 1 gram per day is required.

Method.

Optimum blood levels of erythromycin are achieved when Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules are administered in the fasting state, one hour before food.

Dosage adjustment.

Geriatric.

See Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, QT prolongation.

Children.

Age, weight and severity of infection are important factors in determining dosage for children. The usual dosage is 30 to 50 mg/kg/day in two to four divided doses.

Streptococcal infections.

In penicillin allergic patients a therapeutic dosage of oral erythromycin should be administered for at least ten days. For continuous prophylaxis against recurrences of streptococcal infections in persons with a history of rheumatic heart disease, the dose is 250 mg twice a day.

For prophylaxis against bacterial endocarditis in patients allergic to penicillin or patients receiving long-term penicillin who have congenital and/or rheumatic or other acquired valvular heart disease when they undergo dental procedures or surgical procedures of the upper respiratory tract.

The adult dose is 1 gram (20 mg/kg for children) one and one-half to two hours prior to the procedure and then 500 mg (10 mg/kg for children) every six hours for eight doses.

Chlamydial infections.

The usual dose is 500 mg every eight hours for at least ten days.

Primary syphilis.

30 to 40 gram given in divided doses over a period of ten to fifteen days.

Legionnaires' disease.

Optimal doses have not been established but doses of erythromycin utilised and reported clinical studies were those recommended above (1 to 4 gram daily in divided doses).

4.3 Contraindications

Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to erythromycin, or to any of the excipients listed under Section 6.1 List of Excipients, and in patients with severely impaired hepatic function.
Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules should not be given to patients with a history of QT prolongation or clinically relevant cardiac arrhythmias (e.g. ventricular arrhythmias).
Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules should not be given to patients with electrolyte disturbance (especially in the case of hypokalaemia and hypomagnesaemia) due to the risk of QT prolongation.
Concomitant administration of erythromycin and cisapride is contraindicated. The concurrent administration of cisapride and drugs that inhibit its cytochrome P450 metabolism, including erythromycin, has been associated with increased blood levels of cisapride and an increased risk of life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. These may include torsades de pointes, prolongation of the QT interval, ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation.
Concomitant administration of erythromycin and pimozide is contraindicated. Ventricular arrhythmias and prolongation of the QT interval have been associated with the concurrent use of macrolide antibiotics and pimozide. Specifically, two sudden deaths have been reported when clarithromycin was added to ongoing pimozide therapy.
Concomitant administration of erythromycin with ergotamine or dihydroergotamine is contraindicated (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).
Erythromycin is contraindicated in patients taking terfenadine or astemizole (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).
Do not use erythromycin concomitantly with HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) that are extensively metabolized by CYP3A4 (lovastatin or simvastatin), due to the increased risk of myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

QT prolongation.

Erythromycin has been associated with prolongation of the QT interval and infrequent cases of arrhythmia. Cases of torsades de pointes have been spontaneously reported during post marketing surveillance in patients receiving erythromycin. Fatalities have been reported. Erythromycin is contraindicated in patients with known prolongation of the QT interval, patients with ongoing proarrhythmic conditions such as uncorrected hypokalaemia or hypomagnesemia and clinically significant bradycardia. Erythromycin should not be used in patients receiving class IA (quinidine, procainamide) or class III (dofetilide, amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmic agents. Elderly patients may be more susceptible to drug-associated effects on the QT interval.

Antibiotic associated pseudomembranous colitis.

Antibiotic associated pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with many antibiotics, including erythromycin. A toxin produced with Clostridium difficile appears to be the primary cause. The severity of the colitis may range from mild to life threatening. It is important to consider this diagnosis in patients who develop diarrhoea or colitis in association with antibiotic use (this may occur up to several weeks after cessation of antibiotic therapy). Mild cases usually respond to drug discontinuation alone. However, in moderate to severe cases, appropriate therapy with a suitable oral antibacterial agent effective against Clostridium difficile should be considered. Fluids, electrolytes and protein replacement should be provided when indicated. Drugs which delay peristalsis, e.g. opiates and diphenoxylate with atropine (Lomotil), may prolong and/or worsen the condition and should not be used.

Short term cardiovascular outcomes.

Observational studies have reported an increased short-term risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

Prolonged or repeated use.

Prolonged or repeated use of erythromycin may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible bacteria or fungi. If superinfection occurs, erythromycin should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted.

Surgical procedures.

When indicated, incision and drainage or other surgical procedures should be performed in conjunction with antibiotic therapy.

Syphilis in pregnancy.

There have been reports suggesting that erythromycin does not reach the foetus in adequate concentration to prevent congenital syphilis. Infants born to women treated during pregnancy with oral erythromycin for early syphilis should be treated with an appropriate penicillin regimen.

Myasthenia gravis.

Erythromycin may aggravate the weakness of patients with myasthenia gravis.

Allergic reactions.

As with other macrolides, rare serious allergic reactions, including acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) have been reported. If an allergic reaction occurs, the drug should be discontinued and appropriate therapy should be instituted. Physicians should be aware that reappearance of the allergic symptoms may occur when symptomatic therapy is discontinued.

Use in hepatic impairment.

There have been reports of hepatic dysfunction, including increased liver enzymes, and hepatocellular and/or cholestatic hepatitis, with or without jaundice, occurring in patients receiving oral erythromycin products. Since erythromycin is principally excreted by the liver, caution should be exercised when erythromycin is administered to patients with impaired hepatic function. Erythromycin is contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).

Use in the elderly.

See Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, QT prolongation.

Paediatric use.

There have been reports of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) occurring in infants following erythromycin therapy. In one cohort of 157 newborns who were given erythromycin for pertussis prophylaxis, seven neonates (5%) developed symptoms of nonbilious vomiting or irritability with feeding and were subsequently diagnosed as having IHPS requiring surgical pyloromyotomy. A possible dose response effect was described with an absolute risk of IHPS of 5.1% for infants who took erythromycin for eight to fourteen days and 10% for infants who took erythromycin for fifteen to twenty-one days. Since erythromycin may be used in the treatment of conditions in infants which are associated with significant mortality or morbidity (such as pertussis or neonatal Chlamydia trachomatis infections), the benefit of erythromycin therapy needs to be weighed against the potential risk of developing IHPS. Parents should be informed to contact their physician if vomiting or irritability with feeding occurs.

Effects on laboratory tests.

Erythromycin interferes with the fluorometric determination of urinary catecholamines. Erythromycin may falsely elevate levels of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids, 17-ketosteroids, serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferase levels. Unidentified metabolites of erythromycin may interfere with colorimetric determinations resulting in falsely elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. There may be a decrease in serum folate assay results due to inhibition of Lactobacillus casei growth but results appear to be unaffected if Landon's chromatographic procedure is used. Erythromycin in the blood may also interfere with the diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae by masking a rise in the titre of the tetrazolium reduction inhibition neutralising antibody to this organism. Erythromycin may interfere with tests for serum AST, which may make diagnosis of hepatotoxicity more difficult.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

CYP3A.

Erythromycin is a substrate and inhibitor of the 3A isoform subfamily of the cytochrome P450 enzyme system (CYP3A). Co-administration of erythromycin and a drug primarily metabolised by CYP3A may be associated with elevations in drug concentrations that could increase or prolong both the therapeutic and adverse effects of the concomitant drug. Dosage adjustments may be considered and, when possible, serum concentrations of drugs primarily metabolised by CYP3A should be monitored closely in patients concurrently receiving erythromycin.
Clinically significant CYP3A based drug interactions reported with erythromycin include ergotamine/ dihydroergotamine, triazolobenzodiazepines (such as triazolam and alprazolam) and related benzodiazepines, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (such as lovastatin, simvastatin and atorvastatin), direct oral anticoagulants metabolised by CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein (rivaroxaban), calcium channel blockers metabolised by CYP3A4 (such as verapamil, amlodipine, diltiazem) and sildenafil.
There have been spontaneous or published reports of CYP3A based interactions of erythromycin with cyclosporin, carbamazepine, tacrolimus, alfentanil, disopyramide, rifabutin, quinidine, methylprednisolone, vinblastine and bromocriptine.
In one published study patients who used both oral erythromycin and strong CYP3A inhibitors (azole antifungal drugs (ketoconazole, itraconazole and fluconazole, all administered systemically), diltiazem, verapamil, troleandomycin, mibefradil, nefazodone) had a risk of sudden death from cardiac causes that was five times as great as that among patients who had not used these drugs. Many of the drugs that are known to block CYP3A4 also have direct effects on repolarisation which may cause a dramatic lengthening of the QT interval. Given that there are alternatives to erythromycin and these listed CYP3A inhibitors, the use of these combinations should be avoided.

QT prolongation.

Patients with uncorrected electrolyte disorders, particularly hypokalaemia; known prolongation of the QTc interval or those concurrently receiving drugs that prolong the QTc interval, in particular class 1A (e.g. quinidine, procainamide) or class III (amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmics, are at increased risk for ventricular arrhythmias. As these predisposing conditions may increase the risk for ventricular arrhythmias, erythromycin should not be used in patients with ongoing proarrhythmic conditions (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).

Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine.

Erythromycin should be used with caution in patients receiving these medicines known to prolong the QT interval due to the potential to induce cardiac arrhythmia and serious adverse cardiovascular events.

Carbamazepine.

Isolated cases of interaction between carbamazepine and erythromycin have been reported with elevated serum carbamazepine levels resulting in toxicity. Patients receiving carbamazepine and erythromycin should be monitored and erythromycin therapy stopped or carbamazepine dosage reduced if carbamazepine toxicity occurs.

Cimetidine.

Cimetidine may increase the risk of erythromycin toxicity, particularly hepatotoxicity and ototoxicity.

Cisapride.

Concurrent administration of erythromycin and cisapride is contraindicated (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).

Colchicine.

There have been post-marketing reports of colchicine toxicity with concomitant use of erythromycin and colchicine. This interaction is potentially life threatening and may occur while using both drugs at their recommended doses. If co-administration of colchicine and erythromycin is necessary, the starting dose of colchicine may need to be reduced, and the maximum colchicine dose should be lowered. Patients should be monitored for clinical symptoms of colchicine toxicity.

Corticosteroids.

Caution should be exercised in concomitant use of erythromycin with systemic and inhaled corticosteroids that are primarily metabolised by CYP3A due to the potential for increased systemic exposure to corticosteroids. If concomitant use occurs, patients should be closely monitored for systemic corticosteroid undesirable effects.

Cyclosporin.

Study reports and isolated cases indicate that erythromycin causes an increase in the plasma concentration of cyclosporin. It is recommended that erythromycin should be avoided whenever possible when patients are receiving cyclosporin. When the use of erythromycin with cyclosporin is unavoidable careful monitoring of plasma cyclosporin concentrations and appropriate modification of cyclosporin dose are essential.

Digoxin.

There have been reports of increased digoxin levels during concomitant use of erythromycin.

Ergotamine/ dihydroergotamine.

Concurrent use of erythromycin and ergotamine or dihydroergotamine has been associated in some patients with acute ergot toxicity. This is manifested as ischaemic reactions, characterised by vasospasm and ischaemia of the extremities and other tissues including the central nervous system. Concomitant administration of erythromycin with ergotamine or dihydroergotamine is contraindicated (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.

Erythromycin has been reported to increase concentrations of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (such as lovastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin). Rare reports of rhabdomyolysis have been reported in patients taking these drugs concomitantly (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).

Lincomycin/ clindamycin.

Antagonism of bactericidal activity has been observed between erythromycin and clindamycin or lincomycin in vitro. Because of possible clinical significance, these drugs should not be administered concurrently.

Oral anticoagulants.

There have been reports of increased anticoagulant effects when erythromycin and oral anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin, rivaroxaban) were used concomitantly. Isolated cases suggest that erythromycin can potentiate warfarin induced hypoprothrombinaemia, possibly by slowing warfarin clearance. If such an interaction occurs, alternative antibiotic therapy should be initiated or the response monitored and the dosage of warfarin adjusted accordingly.

Non-sedating antihistamines.

Erythromycin has been reported to significantly alter the metabolism of the non-sedating antihistamines terfenadine and astemizole when taken concomitantly. Rare cases of serious cardiovascular adverse events, including electrocardiographic QT/QTc interval prolongation, cardiac arrest, torsades de pointes, and other ventricular arrhythmias, have been observed (see Section 4.3 Contraindications). In addition, deaths have been reported rarely with concomitant administration of terfenadine and erythromycin.

Oral contraceptives.

Concurrent use of erythromycin may render oral contraceptives less effective and breakthrough bleeding may occur. Unplanned pregnancy may occur with this combination. A barrier method of contraception should be used while taking Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules and for seven days following completion of the course of Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules.

Penicillin.

Erythromycin, in low bacteriostatic concentrations, may inhibit the actions of bactericidal drugs, e.g. penicillin.

Phenytoin/ hexobarbitone/ valproate.

There have been reports of rises in plasma levels of drugs not thought to be metabolised by CYP3A, including phenytoin, hexobarbitone and valproate, during concomitant administration of erythromycin.

Pimozide.

Concurrent administration of erythromycin and pimozide is contraindicated (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).

Quinidine.

There has been an isolated report of a drug interaction occurring with the concomitant administration of oral erythromycin and oral quinidine, resulting in QT prolongation, torsades de pointes and cardiac arrest. Caution and close monitoring is recommended when the drugs are administered concomitantly.

Sildenafil.

Erythromycin has been reported to increase the systemic exposure (AUC) of sildenafil. Reduction of sildenafil dosage should be considered.

Theophylline.

Erythromycin use in patients who are receiving high doses of theophylline has been reported in isolated cases as being associated with an increase in serum theophylline levels and potential theophylline toxicity. In the case of theophylline toxicity and/or elevated serum theophylline levels, the dose of theophylline should be reduced while the patient is receiving concomitant erythromycin therapy.

Triazolam/ midazolam/ alprazolam.

Erythromycin has been reported to decrease the clearance of triazolam and midazolam and thus may increase the pharmacological effect of triazolam and midazolam. Triazolam plasma concentrations may approximately double when erythromycin is coadministered, due to a reduction in clearance and increase in elimination half-life, but drug accumulation has not been observed with repeated dosing. Therefore, consideration of dose reduction may be appropriate in patients treated concurrently with triazolam and erythromycin. Potentially, this interaction may occur with other benzodiazepines which are metabolised by similar pathways in the liver.

Vinblastine.

A possible interaction between erythromycin and vinblastine has been reported in which patients receiving the two agents concurrently may experience myalgia, neutropenia and fever. Concurrent administration of erythromycin and vinblastine is, therefore, not recommended.

Zopiclone.

Erythromycin has been reported to decrease the clearance of zopiclone, and thus may increase the pharmacodynamic effects of this drug.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

No data available.
(Category A)
The available epidemiological studies on the risk of major congenital malformations with use of macrolides including erythromycin during pregnancy provide conflicting results. Some observational studies in humans have reported cardiovascular malformations after exposure to medicinal products containing erythromycin during early pregnancy.
Erythromycin has been reported to cross the placental barrier in humans, but foetal plasma levels are generally low.
There have been reports that maternal macrolide antibiotics exposure within 10 weeks of delivery may be associated with a higher risk of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS).
Erythromycin should be used by women during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Labour and delivery.

The effect of erythromycin on labour and delivery is unknown.
See Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Syphilis in pregnancy.
Erythromycin is excreted in breast milk; therefore, caution should be exercised when erythromycin is administered to a nursing mother.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

The effects of this medicine on a person's ability to drive and use machines were not assessed as part of its registration.

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

The most frequent side effects of oral erythromycin preparations are gastrointestinal and are dose related. They include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and anorexia.
There have been rare reports of pancreatitis and convulsions.
There have been reports of hepatic dysfunction, with or without jaundice, occurring in patients receiving erythromycin products. Symptoms of hepatitis, hepatic dysfunction and/or abnormal liver function test results may occur.
There have been reports of interstitial nephritis coincident with erythromycin use.
Mild allergic reactions, such as rashes with or without pruritus, urticaria, bullous fixed eruptions and eczema, have been reported with erythromycin. Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported.
There have been isolated reports of reversible hearing loss occurring chiefly in patients with renal insufficiency and in patients receiving high doses of erythromycin.
Erythromycin has been associated with QT prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia and torsades de pointes (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use). Occasional case reports of cardiac arrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia, have been documented in patients receiving erythromycin. There have been isolated reports of other cardiovascular symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness and palpitations; however, a causal relationship has not been established.
Ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest have been associated with erythromycin use, frequency is unknown as it cannot be estimated from the available data.
Central nervous system side effects, including hallucinations, confusion and vertigo, have been reported in occasional patients, however, a cause-and-effect relationship has not been established.

Reporting suspected adverse effects.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after registration of medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems.

4.9 Overdose

Reports indicate that the ingestion of large amounts of erythromycin can be expected to produce gastrointestinal distress, hearing problems and other adverse effects (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)). Allergic reactions accompanying overdosage should be treated by the prompt elimination of unabsorbed drug and supportive measures. Erythromycin serum levels are not appreciably altered by haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.
For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 131126 (Australia).

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Mechanism of action.

Erythromycin acts by inhibition of protein synthesis; it binds to the 50S ribosomal subunits of susceptible organisms. Erythromycin is bacteriostatic at low concentrations and bactericidal at high concentrations.

Microbiology.

Erythromycin is active against a number of pathogenic microorganisms, in particular Gram positive cocci and bacilli. Erythromycin is usually active against the following organisms in vitro and in clinical infections:
Streptococcus pyogenes, Alpha haemolytic Streptococci (viridans group), Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae (some strains are resistant), Legionella pneumophila, Treponema pallidum, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Corynebacterium diphtheriae (as an adjunct to antitoxin), Corynebacterium minutissimum, Listeria monocytogenes, Clostridium tetani, Bordetella pertussis, Campylobacter jejuni (in severe or prolonged cases), Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma urealyticum.
Not all strains of the organisms listed above are sensitive and culture and susceptibility testing should be done. Several strains of Haemophilus influenzae and Staphylococci have been found to be resistant to erythromycin. Staphylococci resistance to erythromycin may emerge during a course of therapy. If the Kirby-Bauer method of disc susceptibility is used, a 15 microgram erythromycin disc should give a zone diameter of at least 18 mm when tested against erythromycin susceptible organisms. Antagonism has been demonstrated in vitro between erythromycin and clindamycin, lincomycin and chloramphenicol.

Susceptibility testing.

Quantitative methods that require measurement of zone diameters give the most precise estimates of antibiotic susceptibility. One such standardised single disc procedure has been recommended for use with discs to test susceptibility to erythromycin. Interpretation involves correlation of the zone diameters obtained in the disc test with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for erythromycin.
Reports from the laboratory giving results of the standardised single disc susceptibility test using a 15 microgram erythromycin disc should be interpreted according to the following criteria.
Susceptible organisms produce zones of 18 mm or greater indicating that the tested organism is likely to respond to therapy.
Resistant organisms produce zones of 13 mm or less, indicating that other therapy should be selected.
Organisms of intermediate susceptibility produce zones of 14 to 17 mm. The 'intermediate' category provides a 'barrier zone' which should prevent small uncontrolled technical factors from causing major discrepancies in interpretations, thus when a zone diameter falls within the 'intermediate' range, the results may be considered equivocal. If alternative drugs are not available, confirmation by dilution test may be indicated.
Standardised procedures require the use of control organisms. The 15 microgram erythromycin disc should give zone diameters between 22 and 30 mm for the Staph. aureus ATCC 25923 control strain.
A bacterial isolate may be considered susceptible if the MIC value for erythromycin is not more than 2 microgram/mL. Organisms are considered resistant if the MIC is 8 microgram/mL or higher. The MIC of erythromycin for Staph. aureus ATCC 29213 control strain should be between 0.12 and 0.5 microgram/mL.

Clinical trials.

No data available.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Absorption.

Orally administered erythromycin is readily absorbed in the microbiologically active form. Interindividual variations in the absorption of erythromycin are, however, observed and some patients do not achieve acceptable serum levels. Absorption may be interfered with by the presence of food in the stomach. Optimal conditions for stability in the presence of gastric secretion and for complete absorption are attained when Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules are taken on an empty stomach.

Distribution.

After administration of the third dose of 2 x 175 mg erythromycin capsules to adults, a mean peak serum level of 2.01 ± 0.69 microgram/mL was attained in approximately 2 to 4 hours. This is comparable to peak serum levels achieved with 2 x 250 mg of other formulations of erythromycin. Erythromycin is bound to plasma proteins to the extent of approximately 75%. It diffuses readily into most body fluids with the exception of cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid and vitreous humour.
Erythromycin appears in breast milk at levels which are approximately 50% of the plasma concentration. It crosses the placenta and foetal plasma levels are usually 5 to 20% of the maternal plasma concentration.

Metabolism and excretion.

In the presence of normal hepatic function, erythromycin is concentrated in the liver; this results in high concentrations in the bile. However, approximately 1.5% of the absorbed erythromycin can be recovered unchanged in bile over a period of 8 hours.
Substantial quantities appear in the faeces and probably represent the unabsorbed drug plus the drug excreted via the bile. Approximately 5% of an orally administered dose appears in the urine. A large proportion of the absorbed drug remains unaccounted for and is presumably metabolised, probably in the liver.
In the presence of normal renal function, the plasma half-life is approximately 1.4 hours; this may increase to 6 hours in anuric patients but does not usually require dosage adjustment. Erythromycin is not removed by dialysis.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity.

No data available.

Carcinogenicity.

No data available.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules also contain the following inactive ingredients: lactose monohydrate, monobasic potassium phosphate, povidone, purified water, cellacefate, diethyl phthalate, gelatin, shellac, erythrosine, indigo carmine, sunset yellow FCF, carbon black.

6.2 Incompatibilities

Incompatibilities were either not assessed or not identified as part of the registration of this medicine.

6.3 Shelf Life

In Australia, information on the shelf life can be found on the public summary of the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The expiry date can be found on the packaging.

6.4 Special Precautions for Storage

Store below 25°C.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

Mayne Pharma Erythromycin capsules are available in bottles of 25 capsules.

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

In Australia, any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of by taking to your local pharmacy.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

Chemical structure.

The chemical structure of erythromycin is shown below.

CAS number.

114-07-8.

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

Schedule 4 - Prescription Only Medicine.

Summary Table of Changes