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nina_kowalski2026-04-18

I recently started taking Erythromycin Base 250mg Tablets to treat a respiratory tract infection. I'm generally fairly healthy, so I wasn't expecting too many issues. However, given the range of possible side effects, especially the severe ones like Stevens-Johnson syndrome, I fear getting sick! Anyone have experience with this medication? I was wondering if the stomach pain and upset stomach is common with this medicine? If so, how bad is it? How long does it typically last? Also, how do you manage these side effects? I've heard some people use probiotics to combat the stomach issues. Does that actually help? I'm not too sure how I should be taking it and I'm just wondering how to take it properly and if it matters when you take it. Are there any times you should avoid taking it? I know it is really important to take the prescribed amount or else you are at risk for antibiotic resistance, which can be really bad, so does it matter if you take it with food or not? I'm also wondering if anyone has advice on managing it if you can't pass urine? I hope there are some experts here because I am really starting to worry. If anyone on here has some experience or knowledge on this please help!

1 min read
last active 4/18/2026
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Comments (10)

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cheryl_vazquez4/14/2026

What's the deal with the long QT on ECG? Sounds scary.

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pamela_nelson4/14/2026

Erythromycin is a good antibiotic, but the side effects can be rough. I had a bad experience with it a few years back. I remember I took it for a respiratory infection and had terrible diarrhea. I wish I had known better. I had to go to the ER and it took me a while to recover. Obviously everyone is different, but be careful everyone.

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joyce_ford4/14/2026

Did your doctor mention anything about taking probiotics? I've heard they can help with the stomach issues.

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kathleen_gray4/14/2026

If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction or severe side effects, stop taking the medication immediately and seek medical attention. It's not worth risking your health. There are other antibiotics out there that might work better for you.

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justin_robertson4/14/2026

I am really scared about the hearing loss. I am thinking about going to the doctor and telling them I want to switch to a different antibiotic, but I am not sure if that is possible, and I don't know if it is a good option. I am not sure what to do and I am getting really nervous because it get's worse with kidney problems and I am starting to worry.

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katherine_green4/14/2026

I took Erythromycin a few years ago for a skin infection. I didn't experience any severe side effects, but I did have some stomach upset and diarrhea. It was pretty mild, though. I just made sure to stay hydrated and it went away after a few days.

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steven_lewis4/14/2026

A lot of the comments seem to be focused on the negative side effects. This is a powerful antibiotic and has helped a lot of folks. While I have had a bit of stomach issues with it, it has also helped me a lot. It has also helped my family too. It's a great antibiotic, I think.

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joe_james4/14/2026

I'm a healthcare professional, and I can tell you that taking Erythromycin with food can indeed help minimize stomach upset.

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nicholas_schmidt4/15/2026

I was put on this for an STI a few years ago and it was a nightmare. I felt like death for a whole week, and I am someone who rarely gets sick. I think I had a bit of an allergic reaction too because my skin was all itchy and blistery. I went back to the doctor I saw and they stopped my prescription, but by the time I got to the doctor, I was already pretty sick. It was terrible.

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patrick_dunn4/15/2026

I've been on Erythromycin for a week and I'm fine. Been taking it with food and it's been fine. No issues at all. Knock on wood 🤞