Erythromycin
Erythromycin
Erythromycin (pronounced: eh-rith-roh-MY-sin) is a type of antibiotic that is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. It is part of the macrolide family of antibiotics and works by preventing bacteria from growing and reproducing.
Etymology
The term "erythromycin" is derived from the Greek words "erythros" meaning "red" and "mykes" meaning "fungus". This is because erythromycin is produced by a strain of bacteria called Saccharopolyspora erythraea which is a type of red soil fungus.
Usage
Erythromycin is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections including pneumonia, bronchitis, ear infections, skin infections, and some sexually transmitted diseases. It is also used to prevent rheumatic fever in people who are allergic to penicillin.
Related Terms
- Antibiotic: A type of medicine that is used to prevent and treat infections caused by bacteria.
- Macrolide: A type of antibiotic that is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.
- Saccharopolyspora erythraea: A type of bacteria that produces erythromycin.
- Pneumonia: An infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs.
- Bronchitis: An inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs.
- Ear infections: An infection of the ear, usually caused by bacteria or viruses.
- Skin infections: Infections that occur when bacteria enter your body through a break in your skin.
- Sexually transmitted diseases: Infections that are spread by sexual contact.
- Rheumatic fever: A disease that can result from inadequately treated strep throat or scarlet fever.
- Penicillin: A group of antibiotics that are used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Erythromycin
- Wikipedia's article - Erythromycin
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