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Peds Calc

Parent Guide

Erythromycin (EES) AdministrationSafe & Effective Dosing for Children

Detailed guidance for administering erythromycin ethylsuccinate (EES) to children.

Quality Score: 9/10
3 Clinical Sources
Back to Erythromycin (EES) Overview

Available Forms & Concentrations

oral suspension Form

Infants and children

200 mg/5 mL

Advantages

  • Palatable fruit flavor
  • Flexible dosing by weight

oral suspension Form

Older children and adolescents

400 mg/5 mL

Advantages

  • Smaller volume per dose

Step-by-Step Preparation

1

Shake vigorously

Shake the bottle for at least 15 seconds until the suspension looks uniform.

2

Measure accurately

Use a metric oral syringe; never estimate with household spoons.

3

Give with a snack

Offer applesauce, yogurt, or milk afterward to reduce nausea.

Age-Specific Administration Techniques

neonates

Method & Positioning

Method: Slow oral syringe inside cheek

Positioning: Semi-upright to reduce aspiration

Success Tips
  • Give tiny aliquots and allow time to swallow
  • Burp afterward to limit reflux
Common Challenges
  • Spitting or reflux
Success Strategies
  • Offer pacifier between aliquots
  • Use pacifier-dipper technique

school_ages

Method & Positioning

Method: Measured dose followed by water

Positioning: Seated upright

Success Tips
  • Explain why every dose matters
  • Set phone alarms for independence
Common Challenges
  • Bitter aftertaste
  • Forgetting midday dose
Success Strategies
  • Chase with flavored drink
  • Coordinate with school nurse

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Child gags or vomits

Consider calling your pediatrician if this issue persists

Solutions to Try

  • Pause and offer a small amount after a brief rest
  • Give with a different snack
  • Ask clinician about antiemetic if severe

Prevention Tips

  • Give slowly inside the cheek
  • Avoid forced dosing when the child is crying

Missed daytime dose

Solutions to Try

  • Administer immediately if within 2 hours
  • Resume next scheduled dose without doubling

Prevention Tips

  • Use multi-alarm reminders
  • Provide written plan to school caregivers

Safety & Storage Guidelines

Storage Requirements

Temperature: 20 to 25 C (68 to 77 F)

Stability: Use within the labeled expiration date; discard remaining suspension after therapy.

Location Tips

  • Keep out of direct sunlight
  • Store in original bottle

Clinical Insights

Align doses with routine touchpoints (breakfast, lunch, dinner, bedtime) to maximize adherence.

Evidence: Expert opinionSource: mfc-erythromycin-2024

Bundle caregiver teaching on QT risks when other QT-prolonging medicines are on the list.

Evidence: Safety communicationSource: statpearls-macrolides-2025

You're Doing Great

Consistent scheduling, careful measuring, and rapid follow-up for concerns keep erythromycin courses safe and effective.

Clinical References

Erythromycin for bacterial infections•Medicines for Children (2024)Patient education
Erythromycin Ethylsuccinate Oral Suspension — DailyMed•U.S. National Library of Medicine (2024)Label
Treatment of Pertussis•Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024)Guideline