ERYthromycin

Trade name

Erythrocin IV, Erythromycin-Link, Erythromycin SXP

Presentation and preparation

Vial size (powder volume)	Fluid to add	Volume to add	Resulting concentration
1 g (negligible)	Water for injections	20 mL	50 mg/mL

Reconstitute with 20 mL to provide a 50 mg/mL solution.

IV administration

Do not administer without further dilution. Further dilute to 1 – 5 mg/mL and infuse over at least 20 – 60 minutes. Continuous infusion of 1 mg/mL may be preferred to reduce venous irritation.

Maximum concentration if necessary:  10 mg/mL via a central line only.

Other routes of administration

IM: Not recommended.

SC: Not recommended.

Compatible IV fluids

Hartmann’s

Sodium chloride 0.9%

Y-site only:

Potassium chloride 20 mmol/L

Additional information

Extravasation risk: highly irritant, may cause severe tissue damage. Monitor infusion site during administration.

Erythromycin administration may cause venous irritation and pain; slow the infusion rate and use dilute infusions (1 mg/mL) where possible.

Rapid administration may cause cardiac arrhythmias. Prolonging the infusion to greater than 60 minutes is recommended to reduce the risk of cardiotoxicity.

Use with caution in patients predisposed to QT interval prolongation or in patients being administered other medications known to prolong the QT interval.