Medicine
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Most Common Uses for Erythromycin Stearate?

Debra Durkee
Debra Durkee

Erythromycin stearate is the tablet form of a medication used in the treatment of bacterial infections and bacteria-related illnesses. It is a very specific form of medication and will only work on conditions such as bacterial infections of the skin and sinuses, strep throat, and Lyme disease. Both the staphylococcus and the streptococcus bacteria strains are extremely susceptible to erythromycin stearate.

The drug is what is known as a macrolide antibiotic, and as such, it is frequently prescribed for some common bacterial infections. Applications are varied, and can include strep throat, middle ear infections, inflammation of the urethra, rheumatic fever and different types of skin infections. In some cases, it can also be used to treat pneumonia, as long as the root cause of the illness is bacteria. In addition to being used to cure a case of rheumatic fever, it can also be administered to prevent relapses.

Throat swabs are used to collected test samples to be tested for streptococcus bacteria.
Throat swabs are used to collected test samples to be tested for streptococcus bacteria.

There are a number of sexually transmitted diseases for which erythromycin stearate can also be prescribed. This includes chlamydial bacteria infections of different parts of the body as well as syphilis. It can occasionally be used in the treatment of venereal ulcers as well.

The streptococcus bacteria is perhaps best known for causing strep throat, but is also responsible for a number of other illnesses that can impact the sinuses, skin and ears. This type of bacteria is particularly vulnerable to erythromycin stearate. Likewise, the staphylococcus bacteria is also vulnerable, and illnesses such as skin infections can be treated with the antibacterial drug. It can also be used in the case of illnesses caused by the anthrax bacteria and be prescribed to treat Lyme disease, which is a condition in which an individual is infected by bacteria from an insect bite. In some cases, erythromycin stearate also can be given to an individual about to undergo a surgical procedure to help prevent infection during surgery or during the recovery process.

Erythromycin stearate is the tablet form of a medication used in the treatment of bacterial infections and bacteria-related illnesses.
Erythromycin stearate is the tablet form of a medication used in the treatment of bacterial infections and bacteria-related illnesses.

Frequently, nausea is experienced by individuals who are taking erythromycin stearate. This common side effect can sometimes be managed by taking the medication with water or milk, though it is most effective when taken on an empty stomach. It has been determined that it is safe for use by both adults and children, so it can commonly be used to treat various childhood illnesses also caused by bacterial infection. Those who are at risk of developing such infections are sometimes prescribed the medication as a preventative measure.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Throat swabs are used to collected test samples to be tested for streptococcus bacteria.
      By: Gorilla
      Throat swabs are used to collected test samples to be tested for streptococcus bacteria.
    • Erythromycin stearate is the tablet form of a medication used in the treatment of bacterial infections and bacteria-related illnesses.
      By: donfiore
      Erythromycin stearate is the tablet form of a medication used in the treatment of bacterial infections and bacteria-related illnesses.
    • Erythromycin stearate may be used to treat strep throat in some patients.
      By: Cheryl Casey
      Erythromycin stearate may be used to treat strep throat in some patients.
    • Like other antibiotics, erythromycin can cause some patients to undergo unpleasant side effects.
      By: Alliance
      Like other antibiotics, erythromycin can cause some patients to undergo unpleasant side effects.
    • Erythromycin stearate can be prescribed to treat a number of sexually transmitted diseases.
      By: Peter Atkins
      Erythromycin stearate can be prescribed to treat a number of sexually transmitted diseases.
    • Some cases of sinusitis are caused by a bacterial infection that requires treatment with antibiotics.
      By: drubig-photo
      Some cases of sinusitis are caused by a bacterial infection that requires treatment with antibiotics.
    • Illnesses caused by anthrax can be treated with erythromycin stearate.
      By: alejandro dans
      Illnesses caused by anthrax can be treated with erythromycin stearate.