Comparing Erythromycin vs Azithromycin: Which is Best for Treating Infections?

A bacterial infection happens when bacteria enter the body, multiply, and cause a reaction in the body.

A bacteria culture test is done to identify if you have a bacterial infection.

Your doctor can identify what caused an infection and determine the most appropriate treatment based on the results.

Generally, doctors prescribe Erythromycin and Azithromycin to treat bacterial infections. 

Continue reading to know more about the key differences between the two antibiotics and which is more suitable for treating your condition.

Quick Reviews Erythromycin vs Azithromycin

In 2019, a study was conducted to determine if Azithromycin stimulates antral activity in patients with refractory gastroparesis and chronic gastrointestinal pain.

It revealed that Azithromycin and Erythromycin at equal doses showed a similar positive effect on antral activity.

Based on structure, Azithromycin and Erythromycin are the same but significantly differ in drug-drug interactions.

However, the comparison was also carried out with a higher dose of 500 mg.

It showed that the mean amplitude, motility index, and duration of antral activity were significantly increased with Azithromycin.

These comparative advantages of both medications make it necessary to study them in depth.

Read to learn more about the medications and compare them objectively.

What is Azithromycin?

Azithromycin treats and prevents various infections, including mycobacteria or MAC.

It is a macrolide-type antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

Generally, doctors don’t prescribe medicine for viral infections (such as the common cold or flu).

Misuse or overuse of any antibiotic may bring severe side effects. 

Azithral Eye Drops 0.1% (3ml) contain Azithromycin as the main ingredient.

Your doctor will inform you about its interaction, substitute and other details.

What is Erythromycin?

Erythromycin is an antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections.

It is known as a macrolide antibiotic that stops bacterial growth and prevents infection spread.

These medicines prevent bacteria from synthesizing essential proteins required to cause infections.

Commonly, these medicines will not work for viral infections (such as the common cold, flu, etc.).

Using this antibiotic when unnecessary could reduce its effectiveness and may not work for future infections.

Doctors might prescribe this medicine if you have eye or skin problems/infections.

Precautions

There are specific things that you need to know before using:

Erythromycin

• Your healthcare provider might prescribe Erythromycin to improve your symptoms
• Even if you feel better, finish the full course of treatment and do not skip any doses
• Discontinuing the medicine might make the infection come back, and this way, it will be harder to treat
• Generally, it is advised to take it an hour before or two hours after the food
• Avoid taking antacids two hours before or after taking Erythromycin
• You may face the problem of temporary Diarrhea as a side effect, but it will stop once you complete your course
• Immediately inform your doctor if it doesn’t stop or you find blood in your stools
• You might also develop symptoms like an itchy rash, tongue, throat, face swelling, or breathing difficulties while taking Erythromycin

Azithromycin

• Avoid skipping any dosage and try to finish the full course of treatment
• Stopping it early might make the symptoms hard to treat
• You should take medicine one hour after or before food
• Avoid taking antacids 2 hours before or after taking Azithromycin
• Like in the case of Erythromycin, here you may also face the problem of Diarrhea
• Blood and mucus in the stool might be seen
• If you develop symptoms like difficulty breathing, itchy rash, swelling of the face, throat, or tongue, immediately inform your doctor

Pros and cons

Here is a general overview of the pros and cons of Erythromycin vs Azithromycin, which might be helpful.

Side effects

Skin rashes, Diarrhea, and upset stomach are among the most common side effects of Erythromycin and Azithromycin.

However, compared to Erythromycin, Azithromycin generally has fewer side effects.

Like every other medication, Azithromycin and Erythromycin antibiotics have their side effects.

Some common side effects of these medications are

• Itching
• Blurred vision
• Abdominal pain
• Trouble speaking
• Muscle weakness
• Unusual tiredness
• Yellowing eyes or skin

Right away, get medical help if you have any serious side effects, including,

• Dizziness 
• Fast/irregular heartbeat 
• Severe fainting

These medications might also cause severe intestinal conditions if they come in contact with a bacteria called C. difficile.

Interactions

The working of the medications might change the drug interactions or enhance the risk of side effects.

Here we have discussed a few of the possible drug interactions.

Make sure to list all your medicines (prescribed, non-prescribed, and herbal products).

Share the same with your pharmacist and doctor.

Avoid changing, stopping, or starting the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Apart from Erythromycin and Azithromycin, other drugs might affect the heart rhythm. 

• Sotalol
• Quinidine
• Amiodarone
• Chloroquine
• Dronedarone
• Disopyramide
• Procainamide
• Hydroxychloroquine, etc. 

Takeaway

Both Azithromycin and Erythromycin have their benefits and drawbacks as well. 

Since both are macrolide-type antibiotics, they work similarly to treat bacterial infections.

However, Azithromycin is generally considered to be a more convenient option with fewer side effects.

Yet, due to the affordability factor, Erythromycin is generally preferred.

Ultimately, the choice between the two will greatly depend on individual patient factors, such as,

• The patient’s medical history
• Type of infection, and 
• Other medications being taken

Your doctor can help you determine which medication is best for you. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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