Ciarrai asked
I have been prescribed Erythromycin Tablets BP 250mg for a skin infection around my eyes. My prescription states I should take 2 tablets (500mg) 4 times a day, however the information booklet inside the medication box states that the usual dose is 250mg every 6 hours. Does this dose seem high given that the skin infection is affecting my eyes only?
Answer
The dose you were prescribed, (500 mg) by mouth four times daily (i.e. every six hours), is within the dosage range of erythromycin for skin infections. The confined location of the bacterial infection, in this case your eyes, doesn't necessarily mean a lower dose is necessary. There are a variety of considerations your doctor is taking into account including:
- Severity of the infection
- Suspected species of bacteria causing the infection
- Suspected susceptibility of the bacteria to erythromycin
Erythromycin Dosing Guidelines For Skin Infections
Below are the erythromcin dosing guidelines for skin infections:
Treatment Of Skin And Skin Structure Infections
- Adults: 250 to 500 mg by mouth every 6 hours or 400 to 800 mg of erythromycin ethylsuccinate every 6 hours.
- Infants, Children, and Adolescents: 30 to 50 mg/kg/day by mouth in 3 to 4 divided doses
Treatment Of Erythrasma Caused By Corynebacterium Minutissimum
Adults: 250 mg PO 3 times per day for 21 days.
Summary & Administration Recommendations
Your prescribed dose of erythromycin is well within the dosage guidelines for the medication. In regard to how to take erythromycin, it is well absorbed and can be taken without regard to food. However, it is often recommended to take the medication 1/2 hour before food or 2 hours after for optimal absorption.
