Buy Ilosone
Ilosone

$0.55
Category
Active Ingredient
Delivery
Airmail (14-21 days) | EMS trackable (5-9 days)
Prescription
Issued on site / Included
Availability
In Stock
Product is shipped in a fully discreet envelope with no content disclosure, including all required documentation inside

Ilosone Properties

Active Ingredients
Primary Category
Therapeutic Class
Pharmacological Class
Macrolide Antibiotic
Minor Side Effects
Moderate Side Effects
Dosage Forms
Tablets, Oral Suspension
Administration Route
Oral
Mechanism of Action
Prevents bacteria from producing essential proteins needed for their growth, stopping the infection from spreading.
Prescription Status
Rx
Manufacturer
Eli Lilly and Company
Patient Summary
An older antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, especially in individuals allergic to penicillin.
Onset Time
Within 1 to 2 hours
Duration
6 hours
Storage Instructions
Store at room temperature, away from moisture
Age Restrictions
Consult doctor for paediatric use
Pregnancy Use
Consult doctor before use during pregnancy
Alternative Drugs

About Ilosone

Generic Ilosone (Erythromycin) is a macrolide antibiotic available in 250 mg and 500 mg oral tablets. It is prescribed for the treatment of a range of bacterial infections, including respiratory tract, skin, and soft-tissue infections. As a member of the erythromycin class, the drug interferes with bacterial protein synthesis, offering an effective option when first-line agents are unsuitable or resistance patterns dictate its use. In Australia, Ilosone is listed on the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Poisons Schedule 4, meaning it requires a prescription but is not classified as a controlled substance.

What is Generic Ilosone (Erythromycin)?

Generic Ilosone (Erythromycin) belongs to the macrolide class of antibiotics and has been approved by the TGA for systemic use in adult patients. First launched internationally in the 1950s, erythromycin remains a cornerstone therapy for penicillin-allergic patients and for infections caused by susceptible Gram-positive and some atypical organisms. The tablets are manufactured to meet Good Manufacturing Practice standards and are bioequivalent to the reference brand products, providing the same systemic exposure at a lower cost.

How Ilosone Works

Ilosone exerts its antibacterial effect by binding reversibly to the 50 S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria. This binding blocks the translocation step of protein elongation, preventing the addition of new amino acids to the growing peptide chain. As a result, bacterial protein synthesis halts, leading to a bacteriostatic state that allows the immune system to clear the infection. In higher concentrations, especially with the 500 mg dose, the drug can become bactericidal against certain organisms.

Pharmacokinetic data from Australian sources indicate that oral Ilosone reaches peak plasma concentrations within 2-3 hours after ingestion. Food delays absorption slightly but does not significantly affect the overall exposure, which is why the tablets can be taken with or without meals. The drug is extensively metabolised in the liver via the cytochrome P450 3A4 pathway, producing inactive metabolites that are eliminated primarily in the bile and, to a lesser extent, in the urine. The elimination half-life averages 1.5-2 hours, supporting twice-daily dosing for most infections.

Why Ilosone Is Used for Infection Treatment Conditions

  • Community-acquired pneumonia - Erythromycin covers atypical pathogens such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae. Its ability to penetrate lung tissue makes it a viable alternative when macrolide resistance is low. Australian guidelines position macrolides as first-line agents for patients allergic to β-lactams.
  • Skin and soft-tissue infections - Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes remain susceptible to erythromycin in many regions. The drug’s anti-inflammatory properties also reduce tissue swelling, aiding recovery.
  • Chlamydial infections - For uncomplicated genital chlamydia, a 7-day course of 500 mg twice daily meets the recommended regimen, offering a convenient oral option.
  • Pertussis (whooping cough) prophylaxis - Single-dose macrolides, including erythromycin, are effective in interrupting transmission within households. Ilosone’s established safety profile supports its use in post-exposure prophylaxis.
  • Penicillin-allergic patients - When β-lactams cannot be used, erythromycin provides a broad-spectrum alternative that covers many gram-positive organisms and atypical bacteria.

Compared with newer macrolides such as azithromycin, Ilosone requires more frequent dosing but is often less expensive, making it attractive for long-term therapy where cost is a consideration.

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Ilosone

Evidence from small randomized trials and observational studies suggests that erythromycin may have utility in chronic inflammatory airway diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation prevention and cystic fibrosis airway infection control. These investigations highlight the drug’s anti-inflammatory effects independent of its antimicrobial action. However, these uses are not approved by the TGA in Australia, and the data remain limited. Off-label use should only be considered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.

Is Ilosone Right for You?

Ilosone is most appropriate for adults who need a macrolide antibiotic and have either documented penicillin allergy or an infection caused by organisms known to be susceptible to erythromycin. The medication is generally well tolerated in patients with normal liver function. For individuals with severe hepatic impairment, dose adjustments may be necessary because metabolism is reduced. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should discuss risks with their obstetrician, as macrolides cross the placenta and are excreted in breast milk, though no teratogenicity has been reported. Elderly patients often experience higher plasma concentrations due to age-related hepatic changes, so clinicians may start with the lower 250 mg dose and monitor response. As noted in the medication information, contraindications such as known hypersensitivity to macrolides must be respected.

Taking Ilosone Effectively

  • Timing: Take the tablet twice daily, ideally 12 hours apart, to maintain steady plasma levels.
  • Food interactions: While the drug can be taken with meals, avoid large fatty meals immediately before dosing if you experience gastrointestinal upset.
  • Alcohol: Moderate consumption is permissible, but excessive alcohol can increase the risk of liver enzyme elevation.
  • Missed dose: If a dose is missed by less than 4 hours, take it as soon as remembered; otherwise, skip and resume the regular schedule. Do not double-dose.
  • Travel: For trips to regions with limited pharmacy access, carry a sufficient supply and a copy of the prescription; the tablets are stable at room temperature for at least two years when stored in original packaging.

Understanding Side Effects and How to Manage Them

Common adverse effects such as nausea, abdominal cramping, and mild diarrhoea stem from erythromycin’s stimulation of gastrointestinal motility and alteration of gut flora. Taking the medication with food or a small snack can alleviate these symptoms. Over-the-counter antacids may be used for heartburn, but avoid simultaneous intake with calcium-containing products, as they can reduce absorption.

A less frequent but notable side effect is hepatic enzyme elevation, resulting from the drug’s metabolism via CYP3A4. Patients with pre-existing liver disease should have liver function tests monitored at baseline and during prolonged therapy.

Serious reactions, though rare, include cholestatic jaundice and arrhythmias such as QT prolongation, particularly when Ilosone is combined with other QT-prolonging agents (e.g., certain antiarrhythmics or antipsychotics). Seek immediate medical attention if you experience palpitations, fainting, or severe rash.

Allergic reactions manifest as urticaria, angioedema, or anaphylaxis. Prompt discontinuation and emergency care are essential if these occur.

Buying Ilosone from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service?

Accessing Ilosone through our online pharmacy removes the geographic barriers that can delay treatment. Our streamlined ordering platform lets you submit a prescription securely, and our dedicated pharmacy team verifies each prescription before dispensing.

Quality & Safety

We partner with licensed Australian and international pharmacies that operate under strict regulatory frameworks. All Ilosone batches undergo third-party testing for potency, purity, and sterility, ensuring you receive medication that meets TGA standards.

Pricing & Access

Because Ilosone is a generic product, it is priced substantially lower than branded macrolides. Through our service you can benefit from bulk-purchase discounts, a lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders, and transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Alternative macrolides such as azithromycin are also listed for comparison.

Discreet Delivery

Orders are packed in unbranded, tamper-evident packaging. Express shipping arrives in approximately 7 days, while standard delivery takes up to 3 weeks, both with tracking to ensure timely receipt.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can Ilosone be used for viral infections? No. Ilosone targets bacterial protein synthesis and has no activity against viruses. Using it for viral illnesses can contribute to antimicrobial resistance.

  • What should I do if I experience severe diarrhoea? Severe diarrhoea may signal Clostridioides difficile infection, a known risk with broad-spectrum antibiotics. Discontinue the medication and seek urgent medical evaluation.

  • Is a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) safe to take with Ilosone? PPIs do not significantly affect erythromycin absorption, but they may increase the risk of C. difficile overgrowth. Discuss any long-term PPI use with your prescriber.

  • How does Ilosone compare with azithromycin for respiratory infections? Azithromycin offers once-daily dosing and a longer half-life, which can improve adherence. However, Ilosone is often less costly and may be preferred when antimicrobial stewardship guidelines recommend erythromycin as a first-line option.

  • Can I take Ilosone while on statin therapy? Erythromycin can inhibit CYP3A4, potentially raising plasma concentrations of certain statins (e.g., simvastatin). This interaction may increase the risk of myopathy; your doctor may adjust the statin dose or select an alternative lipid-lowering agent.

  • Is it safe to use Ilosone during a pregnancy? Limited data suggest that erythromycin does not increase the risk of major malformations, but it should only be used when clearly indicated and prescribed by a healthcare professional familiar with your obstetric history.

  • What is the recommended duration of therapy for uncomplicated chlamydia? A typical regimen consists of 500 mg taken twice daily for 7 days. Completion of the full course is essential to eradicate the infection and prevent resistance.

  • Will Ilosone interfere with oral contraceptives? No clinically significant interaction has been demonstrated between erythromycin and combined hormonal contraceptives. Nevertheless, maintaining consistent use of contraception is advisable.

  • Can I switch from Ilosone to another macrolide without a washout period? Transitioning between macrolides is generally safe, but overlapping doses should be avoided to reduce the risk of additive gastrointestinal side effects. Consult your prescriber for a tailored switch plan.

  • How often should liver function be monitored? For short courses (≤7 days), routine monitoring is not required. For prolonged therapy exceeding two weeks, baseline liver enzymes and periodic re-assessment are recommended.

Glossary

Macrolide
A class of antibiotics that bind to the bacterial 50 S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting protein synthesis.
CYP3A4
A liver enzyme responsible for metabolising many drugs; inhibition can alter the levels of co-administered medications.
Bioequivalence
Demonstration that a generic product delivers the same amount of active ingredient into the bloodstream as the reference brand, within an accepted variance.

Disclaimer

The information provided about Ilosone is for general knowledge only and does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions, including those regarding off-label use, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. Readers are assumed to be responsible adults capable of making informed health decisions. Our online pharmacy offers access to Ilosone for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.

External Resources about Ilosone


Information Prepared By

Sarah Jones
Tosin (Olalekan) Olaluwoye, MD, PhD