Question 1

What is Erythromycin used for?

Accepted Answer

Erythromycin is indicated for: Prokinetic (GI motility enhancement), Respiratory infection, Rhodococcus equi in foals (with rifampin), Rhodococcus equi pneumonia (foals), Susceptible bacterial infections.

Question 2

What routes can Erythromycin be administered by?

Accepted Answer

Available routes: PO, IM.

Question 3

Which species have cited Erythromycin dosing data?

Accepted Answer

Erythromycin dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 4 species: Cat (Domestic), Cattle (Beef/Dairy), Dog (Domestic), Horse (Equine).

Question 4

Is Erythromycin a controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

Erythromycin is not federally scheduled as a controlled substance, but is veterinary prescription only in most jurisdictions.

Question 5

What are the warnings or contraindications for Erythromycin?

Accepted Answer

CONTRAINDICATED in rabbits and hindgut fermenters. Prokinetic at sub-antimicrobial doses. GI upset common. Hepatotoxicity reported. Strong CYP inhibitor.

Question 6

What are the side effects of Erythromycin?

Accepted Answer

CONTRAINDICATED in rabbits and hindgut fermenters. Prokinetic at sub-antimicrobial doses. GI upset common. Hepatotoxicity reported. Strong CYP inhibitor.

Question 7

How does Erythromycin work?

Accepted Answer

Binds 50S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting translocation of peptidyl-tRNA, blocking bacterial protein synthesis.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Dog (Domestic)	PO	0.5–1 mg/kg	q8h	Moderate	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Dog (Domestic)	PO	10–20 mg/kg	q8h	Strong	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Erythromycin

Drug Class

Routes

Indications

Mechanism of Action

Side effects & warnings

Species with Erythromycin dosing data (6 dose rules)

Evidence levels across 6 dose rules

Backed by 2 published primary sources

Sample dosing (2 of 6 cited rules)

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Other formulations of Erythromycin