Erythromycin
In stock
500mg · 250mg
from A$46.92
In brief
Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic. Australian consumer information for E-Mycin lists its use for bacterial infections, for acne alongside other acne treatments, and to prevent infection in people with rheumatic disease, congenital heart disease or acquired heart valve disease who are allergic to penicillin.
What is erythromycin used for?
Erythromycin is an antibiotic from the macrolide group. The E-Mycin consumer medicine information lists three uses: treating bacterial infections, helping to control acne together with other acne treatments, and preventing infection in people with rheumatic disease, congenital heart disease or acquired heart valve disease who are allergic to penicillin.
Erythromycin does not work against viral infections such as colds or flu.
This listing shows erythromycin 250 mg and 500 mg. It does not name the manufacturer of the tablets supplied, so check the label on the pack you receive and confirm with your prescriber or pharmacist that it matches your prescription.
Erythromycin for acne
The E-Mycin consumer information describes its use for acne alongside other acne treatments. This listing offers 250 mg and 500 mg strengths; erythromycin ointments and gels are not offered on this page.
Erythromycin, EES, Ilosone and Zithromax
Erythromycin is the active ingredient. The uses above come from the Australian consumer information for E-Mycin. Ilosone is the name used in our supplier’s listing for this product.
Zithromax is a different medicine. It contains azithromycin, which belongs to a sub-class of macrolides called azalides. According to the Zithromax consumer medicine information, people allergic to erythromycin should not take Zithromax.
Who should not take erythromycin
- Anyone allergic to erythromycin or another macrolide antibiotic
- People with severe liver disease
- People with heart rhythm disorders
- People taking certain medicines with serious interactions, such as terfenadine, cisapride or simvastatin
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Erythromycin dose and course
The dose depends on the type and severity of the infection. Finish the full course, even if your symptoms improve.
Erythromycin side effects
Less serious side effects include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, oral or vaginal thrush, headache and fever.
Serious side effects include yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice), hearing or vision problems, irregular heartbeat, muscle pain, dizziness, hallucinations and drowsiness.
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, shortness of breath or wheezing, and watery, bloody or severe diarrhoea are very serious.
Storage
The E-Mycin consumer information advises storing tablets below 30 °C. Follow the storage directions on the pack you receive.
Erythromycin price: compare pack sizes
Compare packs of the same strength. These examples are for 500 mg and are calculated from the listed prices at the shop’s Australian-dollar rate on 7 October 2026, before delivery or other checkout charges.
| Strength | Pack size | Pack price | Price per tablet |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 mg | 30 | A$63.02 | A$2.10 |
| 500 mg | 90 | A$160.44 | A$1.78 |
| 500 mg | 360 | A$515.72 | A$1.43 |
At 500 mg, the 90 pack costs about 15.1% less per tablet than the 30 pack, and the 360 pack about 31.8% less.
A lower price per tablet means a larger upfront payment. Choose only the quantity and strength appropriate to your prescription, and check the expiry date. Prices can change, so confirm the current pack price before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
Is erythromycin the same as azithromycin (Zithromax)?
No. They are different antibiotics, although both belong to the wider macrolide group.
Does erythromycin treat colds or flu?
No. It does not work against viral infections.
Is Ilosone the same as erythromycin?
Ilosone is the name used in our supplier’s listing for this erythromycin product.
Delivery across Australia
Airmail service: delivery in 14–22 days, free on orders over A$286.52. Trackable service: delivery in 7–14 days, with the tracking number sent by email. These are estimated delivery times, not guaranteed arrival dates.
Australian cities and delivery information
The Australian delivery options above apply to the destinations below. A city listing does not indicate a physical pharmacy branch or local stock.
| City | State or territory |
|---|---|
| Sydney | New South Wales |
| Melbourne | Victoria |
| Brisbane | Queensland |
| Perth | Western Australia |
| Adelaide | South Australia |
| Hobart | Tasmania |
| Gold Coast | Queensland |
| Canberra | Australian Capital Territory |
| Cairns | Queensland |
| Central Coast | New South Wales |
| Townsville | Queensland |
| Darwin | Northern Territory |
| Newcastle | New South Wales |
| Geelong | Victoria |
| Gladstone | Queensland |
| Port Macquarie | New South Wales |
| Bathurst | New South Wales |
| Forbes | New South Wales |
| Geraldton | Western Australia |
| Goulburn | New South Wales |
