Clinical decision-support only. For use by licensed dental professionals. Not a substitute for professional judgment or a complete drug reference. Always verify with primary sources.
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Medication

Erythromycin

Antibiotic (macrolide)

Brand names: Ery-Tab

Oral health effects

  • Antibiotic-associated diarrhea / gut dysbiosis

    GI upset is common; alters gut flora.

    Clinical management: A probiotic (e.g., Saccharomyces boulardii) during the course may modestly lower the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea; the evidence is low certainty. Avoid probiotics in immunocompromised or severely ill patients. See the Gut Health page.

  • Oral candidiasis (thrush)

    Broad-spectrum antibiotics suppress commensal bacteria, allowing Candida overgrowth in the mouth.

    Mechanism: Loss of competitive inhibition from normal flora.

    Clinical management: Watch for thrush, especially with repeated courses; treat with an antifungal; reinforce hygiene.

Sources

  1. Adverse drug events in the oral cavity. Yuan A, Woo SB. Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology, 2015.