Erythromycin for Cellulitis

Yes. Erythromycin is one of the antibiotics recommended by NICE for cellulitis if you’re allergic to penicillin, and it is the recommended choice if you’re pregnant.

If you’re not allergic to penicillin, flucloxacillin is usually the first choice.

Complete our online consultation for a clinical assessment by one of our experienced prescribers to find out whether you’re eligible for a prescription to buy erythromycin 500mg tablets online.

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the deeper layers of the skin. The affected area becomes red or darker than usual, hot, swollen and painful, and the redness spreads. It often affects the lower legs, but can happen anywhere. It usually starts when bacteria get in through a break in the skin, such as a cut, graze, bite or cracked skin.

No. Cellulitis is not usually passed from person to person, because the infection is in the deeper layers of the skin.

UK guidance recommends clarithromycin, doxycycline or erythromycin for cellulitis if you’re allergic to penicillin. Clarithromycin and doxycycline are usually preferred because they are taken less often. Erythromycin is usually recommended if you’re pregnant, and doxycycline is not suitable in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Your prescriber will recommend the most suitable option during your consultation.

No, but they are closely related. Both are macrolide antibiotics that work in a similar way. Clarithromycin is taken twice a day and usually causes fewer stomach side effects, while erythromycin is taken four times a day and is preferred in pregnancy.

You cannot buy erythromycin over the counter at a pharmacy as it is a prescription-only medication. This means you must have a prescription from a licensed prescriber to buy erythromycin for cellulitis.

If you think you have cellulitis and are allergic to penicillin, you can fill out our simple online questionnaire to start your consultation with one of our UK-registered prescribers. Then, if prescribed, you can buy erythromycin 500mg tablets through our online pharmacy with next day UK delivery.

You can order erythromycin 500mg tablets through an online pharmacy after a clinical assessment with a registered prescriber. A prescriber will only prescribe erythromycin if it’s clinically appropriate for you and your situation.

Do not buy antibiotics from pharmacies or websites that do not require a consultation with a medical professional.

At My Chemist Plus, you can have a free consultation with a UK-registered, experienced prescriber for erythromycin. If prescribed, you can order erythromycin online with UK-wide next day delivery. Fill out a quick health questionnaire to get started.

Always follow your prescriber’s instructions and complete the full course of treatment even if you start feeling better. If you finish your course and still feel unwell, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

• Take one tablet four times a day at evenly spaced times. For instance, one in the morning, one at midday, one in the late afternoon and one at bedtime.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water – do not crush or chew it.
• Follow the directions on your label about food, as this can vary between brands.

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s nearly time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not take two tablets at the same time to make up for a forgotten dose.

For adults with cellulitis, the usual dose is 500mg four times a day for 5 days. It’s very important you follow your prescriber’s advice and finish the full course.

Many people notice the redness, swelling and pain start to improve within 2 to 3 days. If the redness is still spreading after 2 to 3 days, or you feel worse, seek medical advice.

Raise the affected area, for example on a pillow, to reduce swelling. Drink plenty of fluids, and take paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain if they’re suitable for you.

It can help to draw around the edge of the redness with a pen when you start treatment, so you can see whether it is getting smaller. The redness may spread slightly in the first day or two before it starts to improve.

Yes. Erythromycin is the macrolide antibiotic usually recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding if you’re allergic to penicillin. Let your prescriber know during your consultation so they can offer you the right guidance.

Erythromycin interacts with a number of medicines, so tell your prescriber about everything you take. In particular, mention:

• Statins, such as simvastatin or atorvastatin
• Warfarin or other blood thinners
• Colchicine, used for gout
• Digoxin or medicines for an irregular heartbeat
• Theophylline, used for asthma or COPD
• Carbamazepine, used for epilepsy
• Ciclosporin or other medicines that affect your immune system
• Any medicine that can affect your heart rhythm

Alcohol does not interact with erythromycin. But, it’s a good idea to avoid drinking alcohol while you’re unwell, as it can make side effects such as nausea worse.

Erythromycin should not usually affect your ability to drive. If you feel unwell or dizzy, do not drive or operate machinery until you feel better.

Erythromycin does not affect the contraceptive pill directly. It also does not affect the emergency contraceptive pill. But, erythromycin can cause vomiting or diarrhoea in some people.

If you’re vomiting or have diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, this may prevent your contraceptive pill from working. To find out what to do, read the patient information leaflet that comes with your contraceptive medication, speak to your doctor, or visit the NHS website for guidance.

Call 999 or go to A&E if you have a skin infection and you:

• Feel very unwell, confused or very drowsy
• Have a high temperature, shivers or a fast heartbeat
• Have redness spreading very quickly, or skin that is very painful, blistering or turning dark
• Have swelling around your eye or problems with your vision

Get urgent advice from a GP or NHS 111 if the redness is still spreading after 2 to 3 days of antibiotics. These symptoms need prompt assessment rather than waiting for a delivery.