Antibiotics are administered to stop bacterial strands from spreading. When microbes like bacteria grow, and spread unchecked – they cause infections. But not all bacteria are harmful; most of them do not cause infections. It is a very small percentage that trigger conditions like fever, typhoid or tetanus. Erythromycin is a popular antibiotic-med capable of treating large-spectrum of bacteria-triggered infections. Can you use erythromycin for gastroparesis? It serves well to know more.
Antibiotics are of 2 types; 1- a genre that kills bacteria, and another that inhibits spread of harmful microbes. Ever since their launch in late-1920s, antibiotics are used to treat infections. As an excessive intake can build-up resistance, it is a safe thing to use as per physician’s advice. World Health Organisation has recognized antibacterial resistance as one of the serious risks to human subsistence.
Antibiotics are never used by infections caused by fungi and viruses. Taking antibiotics to treat a viral or fungi-based infection can lead to almost no remedy. However, as signs of infections are same, it often takes a certified-practitioner to detect underlying-causes. In some cases, antibiotics are also used as a preventive med, especially to people who live with compromised immunity.
So, what is erythromycin?
This antibiotic-med is used to treat infections of your respiratory tract, skin-based conditions, inflammatory conditions of pelvis, chlamydia, etc. Caregivers use it to prevent Group-B streptococcal infections among newborns; pregnant women are prescribed this med to safeguard their fetus.
Erythromycin
Erythromycin is available both as a pill and injectable form. It is also available as an ointment to keep eye-infections at bay. It was first identified in early-1950s; its popularity has soared ever since. WHO lists this med among the most-essential-meds needed for mankind.
As per latest estimates, erythromycin received more than 950,000 prescriptions per annum. Reliable secondary-data rank it among top-300 highly prescribed drugs in US. It has gained greater acceptance as it is safe to those with hypersensitivity to penicillin.
What is gastroparesis?
This condition is known as delayed-emptying of gastric tract; gastroparesis manifests as weakened-contractions of tummy. It causes liquids and foods-you-eat to remain inside your tummy for long. Motility of food slows, especially in your duodenum. This leads to erratic absorption of nutrients off foods, and cause malnutrition. A condition called dumping is an exact opposite. Here, foods you-eat move too quickly from your stomach to digestive tract.
Erythromycin for gastroparesis dose
Erythromycin is indeed used to treating delayed-emptying of stomach. Typical dose of erythromycin hovers at 250mg for adults. However, erythromycin’s ability to empty your stomach is short-lived. The temporary remedial-outcome is attributed to tachy-prophylaxis; this denotes a rapid fall in drug’s potence, soon after intake. In other words, onset of quickened-tolerance sets-in.
Owing to this, a few alternatives like sildenafil citrate are administered to enhance the rate of gastric-emptying. In some cases, dopamine-receptor-antagonists are used to boost emptying of gastric channel. In the same light, a few antidepressants like mirtazapine are used if none of the above meds works. Select types of antidepressants display appetite-stimulating properties and antiemetic capabilities.
How long can you take erythromycin for gastroparesis?
Research on erythromycin use for gastroparesis reveal this antibiotic cannot be used for long. Persistent use can trigger tolerance, and eventually resistance. Those with diabetes mellitus are at an added risk of developing such tolerance. Odds of remedial-outcomes of using erythromycin for gastroparesis are high among younger patients than elders.
Epidemiological studies on gastroparesis are far and few between. As per an empirical study, nearly 3.7% US population runs the risk of getting it. Women aged 26 – 39 exhibit a higher level of vulnerability.
Erythromycin is not an OTC drug. Taking it through self-medication can cause adverse side effects. Upon sensing hepatic dysfunction or inflammation of pancreas, call 911 immediately. You can know more about erythromycin dosage and how long to take this antibiotic med by consulting with your caregiving team.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from New York University. Experience: 5 years of experience writing for physiotherapy and sports medicine blogs, providing expert insights on injury prevention and rehabilitation.
