Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is erythromycin. It treats infections caused by bacteria. This medicine may have other uses too. It cannot treat infections caused by viruses, like the common cold.

You should take erythromycin exactly how your doctor tells you to. You should separate the doses with even intervals of time. Also, you should swallow the tablet whole, and do not crush or chew it. It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach.

Most people tolerate erythromycin well. Common side effects can include nausea, an upset stomach, and a loss of appetite. These effects are normal if they are mild. If stomach upset occurs, you can take each dose with a snack. Another possible side effect is diarrhea. Let the doctor know right away if diarrhea lasts for more than 2 days, or if it is has blood in it. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

As with any medicine, rare but more serious side effects could occur. With erythromycin, these include an allergic reaction, and problems with the liver. You should call your doctor right away if you notice any unusual changes to your body. This includes itching, a rash, or swelling of the face, mouth or throat. 

Erythromycin can have significant drug interactions. To help keep this medicine safe for you, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines. Also, check before you drink grapefruit juice.

For best results with this medicine, you should finish the full course of therapy. Otherwise, the infection could return and become hard to treat. Also, tell your doctor if the infection does not improve in a few days, or if it gets worse instead of better.