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Original poster

Erythromycin - violently ill

98 replies

Litluts · 05/03/2019 18:28

I was prescribed erythromycin yesterday. 2 tablets to be taken 4 times a day. I've had 10. I have been violently ill since about noon today. And I mean constant nausea, vomiting profusely (literally just liquid bile).
I have stopped taking them (last ones were taken this morning).
I rang GP surgery at 3pm to speak to a GP but they had all gone home Hmm

Is there anything I can do to stop the nausea? Or do I have to wait for it to come out of my system? The leaflet lists it as a side effect 'feeling sick or being sick', but it only says to report the side effect, not what the fuck to do about it.

I'm already on lansoprazole for my stomach. Would taking one of them help? I can honestly say, I've rarely been so violently ill in my life.

Bastard things. I feel like I've been poisoned. Angry

Not sure if it's relevant, but I'm allergic to penicillin?

OP posts:
Original poster
Litluts · 05/03/2019 18:56

The GP asked whether I was allergic to any antibiotics and I said penicillin. I suppose that's why she prescribed this particular devil's piss.

So am I allergic to it or is it just a side effect?

OP posts:
67chevvyimpala · 05/03/2019 18:57

I had to.
They wanted to admit me but I was young and stupid so they gave me some meds (sorry cant remember what)
Ooh might be a good call.
I do feel for you op xx

Ali1cedowntherabbithole · 05/03/2019 18:57

I don't tolerate it well either so you have my sympathy.

Some people find taking it with food rather than on an empty stomach reduces the gastrointestinal symptoms, but a chat to your GP or pharmacist is the best idea. If you can't tolerate it, you might need an alternative therapy.

Original poster
Litluts · 05/03/2019 18:58

Aw, sorry to hear you're in hospital. I see you're allergic to tomato lol. #observant #nosey

I wonder is there an antidote to it? I genuinely feel like I'm dying.

OP posts:
Spudina · 05/03/2019 18:58

You are allergic to it.

bobisbored · 05/03/2019 18:58

I had a bad reaction with that stuff too. I phoned the doctors and they said stop taking it and come back for a different prescription. Was awful.

ATowelAndAPotato · 05/03/2019 18:59

Honestly, if it’s that severe I would suggest allergy, but I’m not a doctor!
Also, if you’re vomiting that much then you won’t be able to keep enough down to treat whatever you have had it for.
Either way, they need to find something else for you.

Utini · 05/03/2019 19:05

I had nausea and vomiting from penicillin the first time I had it, not as severe as you though, and was told to stop taking it. The doctor said that it wasn't a true allergy, but they've put the reaction in my notes and would avoid giving it again. I felt better pretty quickly after stopping it.

I'm currently on amoxicillin and feeling ok, so I think they're right about it not being an allergy as I wouldn't be able to take amoxicillin if that was the case.

Groovee · 05/03/2019 19:06

Phone 111

Rosebud21 · 05/03/2019 19:21

If you're sure that vomiting is not a sign that you're more unwell with whatever illness you were presribed the antibiotic for then it's likely a side-effect.

You can buy buccastem (prochlorperazine) over the counter to help with vomiting, let it dissolve under your tongue. www.boots.com/buccastem-m-8-tablets-10086568

Side-effects, & allergic reactions to antibiotics are discussed here www.nhs.uk/conditions/antibiotics/side-effects/

Get well soon OP

Original poster
Litluts · 05/03/2019 19:30

On hold to 111 now.

OP posts:
thesnapandfartisinfallible · 05/03/2019 19:36

They still prescribe it because it works and because not everyone reacts that way and for those of us who have penicillin allergies, choices are limited. Some people swear that Metronidazole is the devils work but I've never had so much as a dizzy spell from them.

IsadoraQuagmire · 05/03/2019 19:49

I had exactly the same reaction to it. Also allergic to penicillin.
Bad reaction to clarythromycin too. Sad

Original poster
Litluts · 05/03/2019 19:53

Ok, from link provided, this sounds like a side effect rather than an allergy. Will tell docs that I'm allergic to it though lol. No way in hell am I ever taking this stuff again. I have a feeling I was prescribed this many many years ago as I am having flashbacks of it and telling the doctor. It is pure yellow bile that I'm vomiting. Desperate stuff.
Well 111 asked me a million and one questions and are having someone call me back. I last took them at 8am. How long is it going to take this stuff to get out of my system!!

OP posts:
Original poster
Litluts · 05/03/2019 19:54

I'll be very cautious about taking anything she prescribes now! I appear to be acquiring more and more allergies the older I'm getting.

OP posts:
TwistinMyMelon · 05/03/2019 20:00

Erythromycin is known to be rough on the tummy. I was violently sick on it. Yes take a lansoprazole. What were you taking it for?

ChameleonCircuit · 05/03/2019 20:01

Is this the stuff that in liquid form is a bilious pink colour? If so, I've had this same problem when I was little. I always swore I wouldn't take it again. Don't know why they gave me it, because I'm not allergic to penicillin.

Hope you feel better soon, OP.

TinselAngel · 05/03/2019 20:02

It has the same effect on me. I figure it's not going to work if I'm projectile throwing it all up.

Original poster
Litluts · 05/03/2019 20:03

No, it's in tablet form. But they are a bright pink.

OP posts:
TwistinMyMelon · 05/03/2019 20:04

It is unlikely an allergy. I am a gp. Erythromycin is known to cause side effects like this. It is still used because it is an effective antibiotic and doesn't affect everyone like this, however it is not used first line for many infections nowadays.

Just don't take any more, and if you are still being sick call 111 and they can arrange an ooh gp to prescribe antiemetics.

Original poster
Litluts · 05/03/2019 20:04

Still vomiting. This is the work of the devil.

OP posts:
Original poster
Litluts · 05/03/2019 20:05

Taking it for a vaginal infection of some description.

OP posts:
TwistinMyMelon · 05/03/2019 20:09

See in our area we would use ciprofloxacin for a kidney infection in someone with a penicillin allergy, however that tends to give people the shits. Bit better than dying of urosepsis though.

The other possibility is it is the infection making you vomit. I had pyelonephritis (kidney infection) and I was vomiting and felt horrendous before I went near any antibiotics. Because I was vomiting so much I went in and had iv antibiotics.

If you are this unwell and you have a kidney infection, I would be seeing out of hours to be honest. I am a GP and do out of hours work and I would happily see you over someone who has been nursing a sore throat for 3 weeks and hasn't bothered seeing their own gp about it. 🤷🏻‍♀️

notanothernam · 05/03/2019 20:09

Oh my goodness I had this too and it did exactly the same thing!! I was getting cluster headaches for a few weeks so was prescribed it in case it was sinusitis (sp?!) I took 2 tablets and within 10 mins was being sick and felt hideous all night. I refused to take them again, but weirdly the headaches never came back?!!

TwistinMyMelon · 05/03/2019 20:11

Chameleon circuit that was probably flucloxacillin. The syrup is rancid and every child I saw on paeds who had it would throw it up...