Althrocin 500 Tablet (erythromycin 500mg): Complete Medicine Guide
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Severe allergic reaction: swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing.
- Signs of liver problems: yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, severe abdominal pain.
- Cardiac symptoms: palpitations, fainting, seizures.
- Severe or bloody diarrhea, which may indicate C. difficile infection.
- Severe skin rash with blistering or peeling.
- Hearing loss or ringing in the ears.
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is arthrox 500mg tablet used for?
This medicine is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and sexually transmitted infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. It is not effective against viral infections like the common cold.
- Generic Name: Erythromycin
- Manufacturer: Apple Biotech
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 arthrox 500mg tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा एक एंटीबायोटिक है जिसका उपयोग बैक्टीरियल संक्रमणों के इलाज के लिए किया जाता है। यह श्वसन तंत्र के संक्रमण, त्वचा के संक्रमण, और कुछ यौन संचारित संक्रमणों के लिए प्रभावी है। यह बैक्टीरिया के विकास को रोककर काम करती है। यह वायरल संक्रमणों जैसे सर्दी-जुकाम के लिए प्रभावी नहीं है। इसका उपयोग डॉक्टर के पर्चे के अनुसार ही करें।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में मतली, उल्टी, दस्त, पेट दर्द और भूख में कमी शामिल हैं। ये आमतौर पर हल्के होते हैं और कुछ समय में ठीक हो जाते हैं। दुर्लभ मामलों में एलर्जी, लीवर की समस्या, और दिल की धड़कन में गड़बड़ी हो सकती है। यदि कोई गंभीर लक्षण दिखे तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें। खुराक न छोड़ें और कोर्स पूरा करें। इसे पानी के साथ लें, भोजन के साथ या बिना। एंटासिड या डेयरी उत्पादों के साथ इस दवा को न लें, कम से कम 2 घंटे का अंतर रखें। शराब का सेवन न करें। यदि आप गर्भवती हैं या स्तनपान करा रही हैं तो डॉक्टर को बताएं। इसे बच्चों की पहुंच से दूर रखें।
💊 arthrox 500mg tablet Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Respiratory tract infections","description":"Used to treat infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and whooping cough caused by susceptible bacteria.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Skin and soft tissue infections","description":"Effective against many bacterial skin infections including cellulitis and erysipelas.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Sexually transmitted infections","description":"Used for treating chlamydia and syphilis in patients allergic to penicillin.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Diphtheria","description":"Used as an adjunct to antitoxin for treating diphtheria.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Pertussis (whooping cough)","description":"Used to treat and prevent pertussis in close contacts.","evidence":"Well-established"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Gastroparesis","description":"Sometimes used off-label to improve gastric emptying in diabetic gastroparesis.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Acne vulgaris","description":"Occasionally used off-label for inflammatory acne, though other antibiotics are preferred.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Bacterial infections
Also treats: Respiratory tract infections, Skin infections, Sexually transmitted infections, Diphtheria, Pertussis
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Erythromycin |
| Brand Name | Althrocin 500 Tablet |
| Manufacturer | Apple Biotech |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | ANTI INFECTIVES |
| Action Class | Macrolides |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store this medicine at room temperature between 20°C and 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Keep it away from moisture, heat, and direct light. Do not store it in the bathroom. Keep the container tightly closed. Keep out of reach of children and pets. |
| Shelf Life | The shelf life of this medicine is typically 24 months from the date of manufacture. Check the expiry date on the packaging before use. Do not use if expired. |
| WHO Guideline | Erythromycin is included in the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines for the treatment of several bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections and sexually transmitted infections. It is recommended as an alternative for patients allergic to penicillin. |
| ICMR Guideline | The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recognizes erythromycin as a useful antibiotic for treating community-acquired pneumonia, skin infections, and certain sexually transmitted infections. It is recommended for use under medical supervision. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine works by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria, thereby inhibiting protein synthesis. This action prevents the bacteria from growing and multiplying, allowing the body's immune system to clear the infection. It is primarily bacteriostatic at usual doses but can be bactericidal at higher concentrations against highly susceptible organisms.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take arthrox 500mg tablet
Strength: This medicine is available as an immediate-release oral tablet containing 500 mg of erythromycin.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose of this medicine is 250 mg to 500 mg taken every 6 to 12 hours, depending on the type and severity of the infection. For severe infections, doses up to 4 grams per day may be used in divided doses. The exact dose and duration must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on the indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function, and clinical response. Always follow your doctor's prescription exactly. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician for appropriate dosing in children. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients may be more susceptible to the side effects of this medicine, particularly hearing loss and cardiac arrhythmias. Dose selection should be cautious, and renal and hepatic function should be considered. No specific dose adjustment is generally required unless there is organ impairment. |
| Renal Impairment | No dose adjustment is typically required for patients with renal impairment, as this medicine is primarily eliminated by the liver. However, in severe renal impairment, caution is advised, and monitoring for side effects is recommended. |
| Hepatic Impairment | In patients with hepatic impairment, this medicine should be used with caution. Dose reduction may be necessary, and liver function should be monitored. Avoid use in patients with severe liver disease or prior cholestatic jaundice due to erythromycin. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum recommended daily dose of this medicine is 4 grams per day in divided doses for adults, but this should only be used under close medical supervision for severe infections. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of arthrox 500mg tablet
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Cisapride | Major | |
| Pimozide | Major | |
| Ergotamine | Major | |
| Simvastatin | Major | |
| Warfarin | Major | |
| Carbamazepine | Moderate | |
| Cyclosporine | Moderate | |
| Digoxin | Moderate | |
| Theophylline | Moderate | |
| Triazolam | Moderate |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Cisapride
- Pimozide
- Ergotamine
- Simvastatin
- Warfarin
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Carbamazepine
- Cyclosporine
- Digoxin
- Theophylline
- Triazolam
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol should be avoided while taking this medicine. Both alcohol and this medicine can cause stomach upset and liver stress. Combining them may increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects and hepatotoxicity. It is best to abstain from alcohol during the entire course of treatment.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known hypersensitivity to erythromycin or other macrolide antibiotics","Concurrent use with cisapride, pimozide, or ergotamine","Concurrent use with simvastatin or lovastatin","History of cholestatic jaundice or hepatic dysfunction associated with prior erythromycin use","Use in patients with known QT prolongation or ventricular arrhythmias"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["This medicine may cause QT prolongation; use with caution in patients with heart disease or electrolyte imbalances.","Hepatotoxicity can occur; monitor liver function if symptoms develop.","Superinfection with resistant organisms, including C. difficile, can occur; monitor for diarrhea.","Use with caution in patients with myasthenia gravis as it may worsen muscle weakness.","This medicine may interact with many drugs; review all concomitant medications before prescribing.","Do not use this medicine for viral infections as it is ineffective and may promote resistance.","Complete the full course as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to prevent recurrence and resistance."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
This medicine is excreted in breast milk in small amounts. It is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, but the infant should be monitored for diarrhea, thrush, or rash. Consult your doctor before using this medicine while breastfeeding.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose of this medicine may cause severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and hearing loss. There is no specific antidote. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. Gastric lavage may be considered if the overdose is recent and the patient is seen within 1-2 hours. Monitor vital signs, electrolytes, and cardiac rhythm. Contact a poison control center or emergency department immediately if overdose is suspected.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Try to take this medicine at evenly spaced intervals to maintain consistent blood levels.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip doses or stop early, even if you feel better. Take each dose with a full glass of water, with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take it with a meal or snack. Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine as it may increase the risk of stomach upset and liver problems. Do not take antacids or dairy products within two hours of this medicine as they can reduce its absorption. Inform your doctor if you have liver or heart problems, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not share this medicine with others. Store it at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients are more prone to side effects such as hearing loss, cardiac arrhythmias, and liver toxicity. Use with caution and monitor renal and hepatic function. Dose adjustment may be needed based on organ function.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before taking this medicine. Erythromycin is generally considered safe during pregnancy, but it should only be used when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
If you are scheduled for surgery, inform your surgeon that you are taking this medicine. It may interact with anesthetics and other medications used during surgery. Your doctor may advise you to stop the medicine temporarily before surgery.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist that you are taking this medicine before any dental procedure. It may interact with certain antibiotics or anesthetics used in dentistry. Your dentist may need to adjust your treatment plan.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
This medicine may cause dizziness or fatigue in some people. Avoid strenuous exercise if you feel unwell. Listen to your body and rest as needed. If you experience palpitations or shortness of breath, stop exercising and seek medical advice.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine may cause dizziness, nausea, or fatigue, which can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving if you feel dizzy or unwell. It is important to take your doses at regular intervals, which may require planning around your work schedule. Inform your employer if you need to take time off to recover.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor, even if you feel better. Stopping early can lead to recurrence of infection and antibiotic resistance. If you experience severe side effects, contact your doctor immediately; they may advise you to stop or change the medicine.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine can lead to antibiotic resistance and may increase the risk of superinfections such as oral thrush or C. difficile-associated diarrhea. Rarely, prolonged use can cause liver toxicity or hearing loss. Regular monitoring of liver function and hearing may be advised if long-term therapy is necessary. It should only be used for as long as prescribed by a doctor.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Another macrolide antibiotic with a longer half-life and fewer dosing intervals.
Evidence: Well-establishedA macrolide antibiotic with better GI tolerance and broader spectrum.
Evidence: Well-establishedA penicillin antibiotic that may be used if not allergic.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
This medicine does not interact with vaccines. However, if you are taking it for an infection, you should postpone vaccination until you have recovered, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature (20-25°C)
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate unless specified
✅ DO
Keep in original container
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture
❌ DON'T
Do not store in bathroom cabinet
✅ DO
Keep out of reach of children
❌ DON'T
Do not use after expiry date
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When traveling with this medicine, carry it in its original packaging with the prescription label. Bring a copy of your prescription in case you need to show it at customs. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If crossing time zones, adjust your dosing schedule gradually, but consult your doctor for specific advice. Always pack enough medicine for your entire trip, plus a little extra in case of delays.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: You may start feeling better within 1-2 days, but it may take a few days for full effect. Complete the full course as prescribed.
A: Yes, you can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with a meal or snack.
A: Take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double dose.
A: It is generally considered safe when prescribed by a doctor. Consult your doctor before use.
A: It is best to avoid alcohol as it may increase the risk of stomach upset and liver problems.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for arthrox 500mg tablet
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
erythromycin estol 500mg tabletPfizer Ltd ₹18.23 75% CHEAPER
-
eryster 500mg tabletHindustan Antibiotics Ltd ₹25.75 64.7% CHEAPER
-
eltocin 500mg tabletIpca Laboratories Ltd ₹28.33 61.2% CHEAPER
-
erytho 500mg tabletPCI Pharmaceuticals ₹33.75 53.8% CHEAPER
-
elucin 500mg tabletInd Swift Laboratories Ltd ₹35.16 51.8% CHEAPER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine can cure the common cold.
Fact: This medicine is an antibiotic and is ineffective against viruses, including the common cold. It should not be used for viral infections. - Myth: You can stop taking this medicine as soon as you feel better.
Fact: You must complete the full course as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the infection from returning and to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance. - Myth: This medicine is safe to take with any other medication.
Fact: This medicine can interact with many drugs, some seriously. Always inform your doctor about all medicines you are taking. - Myth: This medicine is safe to use during pregnancy without any risk.
Fact: While generally considered safe, this medicine should only be used during pregnancy when clearly needed and prescribed by a doctor.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Erythromycin 500 mg tablet (various manufacturers)
Brand Alternatives
- Althrocin 500 Tablet
- Erythrocin 500 Tablet
- Eryc 500 Tablet
- E-Mycin 500 Tablet