What is the most common side effect associated with the use of erythromycin?

Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic known for its effectiveness against various bacterial infections. One of the most commonly reported side effects of erythromycin is gastrointestinal upset, which can manifest as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea. This is partly due to the drug's ability to stimulate motilin receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to increased gastrointestinal motility.

Patients often experience these effects, particularly when erythromycin is administered orally. This side effect can be significant enough to impact patient adherence to the medication regimen, prompting considerations for alternative antibiotics in some cases. Awareness of this common side effect is important for healthcare professionals in managing patient treatment and expectations regarding antibiotic therapy.

In contrast, while skin rash, renal toxicity, and hepatotoxicity can occur with various medications, they are less frequently associated with erythromycin compared to gastrointestinal issues, making gastrointestinal upset the most predominant concern regarding this antibiotic's use.