Erythromycin - dreadful stomach ache

[Weegle]

I was prescribed Erythromycin on Monday for an infected cyst in my eye - I've not yet completed two full days of a ten day course and I am literally doubled over in agony from a stomach ache. Does anyone know anything I can do to make this better? I'm loathe to stop the AB's as my eye is awful in itself and very painful, but I can't function I'm in so much pain with my stomach - it's radiating in to my back and I feel sick too.

[thumbwitch]

It is well known for having effects on the gastrointestinal system but you do sound quite unwell with it. I would phone your GP asap and ask what you should do. They should be open in 3 hours. Otherwise, if you need advice sooner, phone NHS direct or your out of hours service.

[thumbwitch]

Read this page first - if you have any of the severe side effects then phone the doc asap.

[noddyholder]

i REALLY SYMPATHISE I had this and it was awful I neber found anything to make it better unfortunately I just got used to it.It came in a pattern and i kind of braced myself.Agree re doctors again in case yours is more severe but dp says he had never seen me so ill and I have been ill over the years!

[magso]

Are your capsules gastro resistant? Erythromycin always upsets me - so I have to have the gastro resistant coated ones (am sensitive to penicillin) and take after or with food. Also I cannot tolerate a high dose so have to have that adjusted. Agree see the GP- today. Perhaps there is an alternative?

[Trafficcone]

I'm afraid to say it gave me violent D&V each time I took it, but it did work quickly.

[Northernlurker]

This happened to dh - was awful. As the child of a nurse and a pharmacist he was also loth to stop the ABs but they were making him terribly ill. He went to see the doctor again the next day and got prescribed a slightly different one - began with a C - he can say it but I can't spell it. Anyway that was absolutely fine. You do need to get some others. It's quite right you shouldn't usually only take part of a course but that doesn't mean you should take something which is actually making you unwell!

[Bucharest]

My Mum can't take any penicillin based antibiotics as they have her doubled up with stomach cramps- she's not allergic to penicillin per se, they just have this effect on her. (like magso describes I presume)

[Hullygully]

Made me vom, had to have different ones.

[pinkypanther]

I had this problem as well when I had Erythromycin for mastitis - terrible colic like stomach pain then retching. I went back to the GP and got Clarithromycin instead, which did the same job but without the stomach problems.

Hope you feel better soon.

[Bucharest]

Ah now, clairythromyacin made me feel like my innards were being pulled out.

[Weegle]

thanks for the support everyone, have come off them and seeing GP again tomorrow. Stomach still not right but less crampy already.

[Northernlurker]

I think it was Clarithromycin that dh had. I hope you get sorted out with something tomorrow.