Ilosone: Potent Macrolide Antibiotic for Effective Bacterial Infection Control
Ilosone
| Product dosage: 250 mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per tab | Price | Buy |
| 60 | 1.13 $ | 67.86 $ (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | 1.07 $
Best per tab | 101.79 $ 95.94 $ (6%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| Product dosage: 500 mg | |||
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| Package (num) | Per tab | Price | Buy |
| 30 | 2.11 $ | 63.18 $ (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 60 | 1.89 $ | 126.36 $ 113.49 $ (10%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | 1.60 $
Best per tab | 189.54 $ 143.91 $ (24%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Synonyms | |||
Ilosone, known generically as erythromycin, is a time-tested macrolide antibiotic renowned for its broad-spectrum efficacy against a wide range of bacterial pathogens. As a cornerstone in antimicrobial therapy, it is particularly valued for its utility in patients with penicillin allergies, offering a reliable alternative without compromising on therapeutic outcomes. Its mechanism involves inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, effectively halting the proliferation of susceptible organisms. Trusted by healthcare professionals for decades, Ilosone remains a first-line option for respiratory, skin, and soft tissue infections, combining proven results with a well-understood safety profile.
Features
- Active ingredient: Erythromycin (as base, stearate, or estolate)
- Drug class: Macrolide antibiotic
- Available forms: Tablets (250 mg, 500 mg), oral suspension, chewable tablets, and topical formulations
- Broad-spectrum activity against Gram-positive and some Gram-negative bacteria, as well as atypical pathogens
- Multiple pharmacokinetic profiles allowing for flexible dosing regimens
- FDA-approved for use in both adult and pediatric populations (weight-based dosing for children)
Benefits
- Effectively treats common bacterial infections such as pneumonia, strep throat, and skin infections, reducing symptom duration and severity.
- Provides a safe and efficacious alternative for individuals allergic to penicillin, expanding treatment options without increased risk.
- Demonstrates good tissue penetration, ensuring therapeutic concentrations at the site of infection for comprehensive microbial eradication.
- Supports patient compliance with multiple formulation options, including easy-to-swallow tablets and palatable liquid suspensions for pediatric use.
- Helps prevent complications from bacterial infections, such as rheumatic fever or abscess formation, when used as directed.
- Well-established post-marketing surveillance and decades of clinical use reinforce its reliability and safety in diverse patient groups.
Common use
Ilosone is commonly prescribed for bacterial infections caused by susceptible organisms. Typical indications include upper and lower respiratory tract infections (e.g., pharyngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia), skin and soft tissue infections (e.g., cellulitis, impetigo), and sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia. It is also used prophylactically to prevent rheumatic fever recurrence in penicillin-allergic patients and for gastrointestinal indications such as erythromycin-responsive motility disorders. Off-label uses may include treatment for pertussis (whooping cough) and acne vulgaris, under specialist supervision.
Dosage and direction
Dosage varies based on infection severity, patient age, renal/hepatic function, and formulation. For adults, typical doses range from 250 mg to 500 mg orally every 6 hours, or 500 mg to 1 g every 12 hours for extended-release formulations. For children, dosage is weight-based, usually 30–50 mg/kg/day divided into 3–4 doses. Take on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals) for optimal absorption, unless gastrointestinal upset occurs, in which case taking with food is acceptable (note: estolate formulation may be taken without regard to meals). Complete the full course as prescribed, even if symptoms improve earlier, to prevent resistance and recurrence.
Precautions
Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment, as erythromycin is metabolized by the liver; periodic liver function tests are advisable during prolonged therapy. Monitor for signs of superinfection (e.g., oral thrush, vaginal yeast infection). May prolong QT interval; avoid in patients with known arrhythmias or those taking other QT-prolonging drugs. Use cautiously in the elderly due to potential for increased risk of adverse effects. Inform healthcare provider of all current medications to avoid interactions. Not recommended during pregnancy unless clearly needed (Category B); consult OB/GYN for risk-benefit assessment.
Contraindications
Ilosone is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to erythromycin or any macrolide antibiotic. Avoid use in those with pre-existing hepatic dysfunction, especially with the estolate salt due to risk of cholestatic hepatitis. Contraindicated concomitantly with drugs that strongly inhibit CYP3A4 (e.g., certain antifungals, HIV protease inhibitors) or those that prolong QT interval (e.g., pimozide, ergot derivatives). Do not use in patients with history of hepatitis or jaundice associated with prior erythromycin use.
Possible side effect
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. Less frequently, patients may experience allergic reactions (rash, itching), transient hearing loss (especially at high doses or in renal impairment), or Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea. Rare but serious effects include hepatotoxicity (jaundice, dark urine), QT prolongation leading to torsades de pointes, and severe skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Report any persistent or severe symptoms to a healthcare provider immediately.
Drug interaction
Erythromycin inhibits CYP3A4, potentially increasing levels of drugs such as statins (e.g., simvastatin), benzodiazepines, carbamazepine, and warfarin (monitor INR). Concurrent use with theophylline or digoxin may elevate their serum concentrations, requiring dose adjustment. Avoid with ergot alkaloids (risk of ergotism) and other QT-prolonging agents. Antacids or H2 blockers may reduce absorption; separate administration by at least 2 hours. Interacts with oral contraceptives; advise backup contraception during and shortly after therapy.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered, unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up, as this may increase the risk of side effects. Maintaining consistent dosing intervals optimizes antibiotic efficacy and minimizes resistance development.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hearing loss, and QT prolongation. Management is supportive: gastric lavage or activated charcoal if ingestion was recent, with close monitoring of electrolytes, cardiac function (ECG), and hepatic parameters. There is no specific antidote; hemodialysis is not effective due to high protein binding. Contact a poison control center or seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Storage
Store at room temperature (20–25°C or 68–77°F), away from light, moisture, and heat. Keep oral suspension tightly closed and discard any unused portion after 14 days. Keep all medications out of reach of children and pets. Do not flush or pour down the drain; dispose of unused medication via take-back programs or according to local guidelines.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, changing, or stopping any medication. Individual patient needs may vary; follow your prescriber’s instructions precisely. The manufacturer and distributor are not liable for misuse or incorrect interpretation of this data.
Reviews
“Ilosone effectively cleared my son’s strep throat when penicillin wasn’t an option. The liquid form was easy to administer, and he tolerated it well with minimal stomach upset.” – Parent of pediatric patient
“As an internist, I frequently prescribe Ilosone for respiratory infections in penicillin-allergic adults. Its consistent efficacy and manageable side effect profile make it a go-choice in my practice.” – Healthcare provider
“Used for a skin infection; worked quickly but experienced mild nausea. Taking with food helped. Completed the course with full resolution.” – Adult patient