Erythromycin
In stock
500mg · 250mg
from A$46.94
In brief
Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic. Australian E-Mycin information lists bacterial infections, acne (with other acne medicines) and infection prevention in penicillin-allergic people with rheumatic disease, congenital heart disease or other acquired valvular heart disease.
What erythromycin is prescribed for
The Australian consumer medicine information for E-Mycin lists infections caused by bacteria first, then two further roles: controlling acne in combination with other acne medicines, and preventing infection in penicillin-allergic patients who live with rheumatic disease, congenital heart disease or another acquired valvular heart disease.
Colds, flu and other viral illnesses do not respond to it.
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.
Strengths and pack sizes
The 250 mg strength comes in packs of 30 to 360, and 500 mg in packs of 30 to 360, including a 240 pack. Topical forms such as erythromycin gel or ointment are not part of this listing.
Erythromycin 500 mg: cost by pack
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 8 October 2026, before delivery or other checkout charges.
| Strength | Pack size | Pack price | Price per tablet |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 mg | 60 | A$137.90 | A$2.30 |
| 500 mg | 120 | A$239.61 | A$2.00 |
| 500 mg | 240 | A$425.79 | A$1.77 |
Against the 60 pack, each tablet costs roughly 13.1% less in the 120 pack and 22.8% less in the 240 pack.
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.
About the names: Ilosone, E-Mycin, Zithromax
Ilosone is how our supplier names this erythromycin product. E-Mycin is an Australian erythromycin brand, and its consumer information is the source used here.
Zithromax should not be confused with erythromycin. Its ingredient is azithromycin, an azalide, which is a sub-class of the macrolides, and its consumer information rules it out for anyone allergic to erythromycin.
When erythromycin should be avoided
An allergy to erythromycin or to other macrolides rules it out, as do severe liver disease and disorders of heart rhythm. It must also not be combined with certain medicines that interact dangerously with it; terfenadine, cisapride and simvastatin appear on that list. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should go through the risks and benefits with their doctor.
Finishing the course
Your dose is set by the type of infection and its severity. Feeling better is not a reason to stop early: complete the whole course.
Possible side effects
Headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, cramping in the stomach and thrush of the mouth or vagina are described as less serious.
The serious group covers jaundice (yellow skin or eyes), changes in hearing or sight, an irregular heartbeat, muscle pain, dizziness, sleepiness and hallucinations.
Treated as very serious are allergic signs (rash, itching, hives, swelling of the lips, tongue or face, wheeze or difficulty breathing) and diarrhoea that is watery, bloody or severe.
Storage temperature
For E-Mycin tablets the recommended temperature is under 30 °C. Follow the storage directions on the pack you receive.
Frequently asked questions
Can erythromycin be used for acne?
The E-Mycin consumer information includes acne control, in combination with other acne medicines.
Which antibiotic group does erythromycin belong to?
The macrolides.
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 |
