Erythromycin Defined
Audience One: Medical Professional
Erythromycin, a selectively prophylactic antibiotic, regularly utilized as a substitute for penicillins in the case of allergic reactions, is used to treat bacterial infections and can often be given prior to a number of medical procedures (PDR Network, LLC, 2014).
With its antimicrobial properties, erythromycin is often prescribed for an array of sexually-transmitted diseases, including Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and Chlamydia – which have been shown, if gone untreated can cause pelvic inflammatory disease leading to infertility (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, July 07, 2014). Recent history has shown its use for preventative measures to lessen the risk of contracting or suffering from reoccurring bouts of Rheumatic Fever, typically in patients with an anaphylactic intolerance to penicillins or sulphonamides (PDR Network, LLC, 2014).
It is not unusual to see its reproduction in a plethora of ingestion options, capsule, fluid, chewable-tabs, and condensed tablets to name a few (The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 2014). The need for this comes on a case-by-case basis – are there any alterior methods that we can apply to this patients’ regiment to ensure the proper dosage and usage, to complete their treatment plan and see them back to a homeostatic state?
Figure 1: 1000mg capsule
A prescription for erythromycin, in any form, – Figure 1 providing an example for the substance in a powder-like state encapsulated within a disintegrating, cylindrical membrane – should not exceed the dosage requirements established by the patients’ healthcare provider. The amount (in milligrams/grams) is based on the weight of the patient, their current age and the stage at which the infection has progressed. Then ensure the medication’s proper storage in an area with low humidity or moisture, and away from any sources of heat or light when not in use (The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 2014).
Before distributing a prescription allow for the proper testing to guarantee that the patient does not have negative drug interactions that could result in its inability to perform its intended actions. A few to request examination for are any relating to hepatic impairment or malfunction, spinal fluid, and tests that confirm the existence of a causative bacterium (PDR Network, LLC, 2014). Once distributed stress the importance of a schedule – double doses and missed doses are each considered serious complications that could prolong or halt the duration of the treatment (The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 2014).
Erythromycin Defined
Audience Two: General Public
Erythromycin is a prescription drug commonly used within the medical field, in place of penicillins, as a treatment option for infections caused by prokaryotic microorganisms or ‘bacteria’ (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2014).
A prescription drug is a type of regulated and monitored medical treatment that can only be recommended by a license/certified physician and then distributed by a pharmacist – a specialist with extensive knowledge in medications and their effect on the human body (Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, 2014).
This antibiotic – an artificially enhanced substance originating from a microorganism that is capable of destroying or obstructing bacteria – has also been shown to produce preventative qualities that have led to its use against sexually transmitted diseases, as well as Rheumatic Fever. Erythromycin has also been considered an effective acne treatment when medications like Tetracycline are intolerable to the patient (Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, 2014).
For the convenience of the drug recipient, erythromycin has been produced in a multitude of ways including a liquid form, a chewable tablet and a disintegrating capsule (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, July 07, 2014). When seeking to obtain a prescription for the type of treatment this drug can provide, it is suggested that a physician be contacted to find out which method would be the most appropriate.
With each composition there comes a set of directions – including dosage and storage information since it varies from one to another. For instance, the condensed form of erythromycin is intended to be kept in a relatively damp, warm and light free area; whereas, the liquid is to be kept in a refrigerator or in a like-environment where it should be sealed tightly and shaken before use (The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 2014).
As is likely with nearly every medication – especially those provided explicitly by medical care givers – there is a chance that there may be some complications with the way the drug interacts with other medications or even simply with the systems of the body. As Table 1 (shown below) seeks to establish, a multitude of symptoms can arise from the ingestion of erythromycin. Symptoms that should be reported immediately to a healthcare provider or physician include Jaundice (yellowing of the skin/eyes), asphyxiation (immense trouble breathing), or severe skin rash/es (The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 2014).
Table 1: Possible Side Effects of Erythromycin |
|
Upset Stomach |
Stomach Cramps |
Stomach Pain |
Diarrhea |
Vomiting |
Mild Skin Rash |
(The American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists, Inc., “Erythromycin: MedlinePlus Drug Information: What side effects can this medication cause”, 2014)
It is also highly encouraged that proper testing be completed before the actual drug itself be dispersed to any patient. That certain testing will include examinations for specific sexually-transmitted disease like Syphilis, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, liver function tests, and those that will confirm the presence of bacteria (PDR Network, LLC, 2014).
Works Cited
Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. (2014). Antibiotic. Retrieved October 7, 2014, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antibiotic
Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. (2014). Erythromycin. Retrieved October 7, 2014, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/erythromycin
Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. (2014). Pharmacist. Retrieved October 7, 2014, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pharmacist
Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. (2014). Prescription drug. Retrieved October 7, 2014, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prescription drug
PDR Network, LLC. (2014). PDR Search. Retrieved October 7, 2014, from http://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/erythromycin-base-filmtab?druglabelid=1072
PDR Network, LLC. (2014, January 1). Erythromycin, oral – (Erythromycin) Side Effects, Dosage, Uses, Interaction – PDRHealth. Retrieved October 7, 2014, from http://www.pdrhealth.com/drugs/erythromycin-oral
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. (2014). Erythromycin: MedlinePlus Drug Information. Retrieved October 7, 2014.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2014, October 9). Rheumatic fever: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Retrieved October 7, 2014, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003940.htm
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2014, August 25). Antibiotics: MedlinePlus. Retrieved October 7, 2014, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/antibiotics.html
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2014, July 7). Gonorrhea: MedlinePlus. Retrieved October 7, 2014, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/gonorrhea.html
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2014, September 24). Erythromycin: MedlinePlus Drug Information. Retrieved October 7, 2014, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682381.html