What is the primary adverse effect associated with Erythromycin?

The primary adverse effect associated with Erythromycin is gastrointestinal upset. Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic commonly used to treat various bacterial infections. Its mechanism of action involves inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, but it can also stimulate gastric motility and increase gastrointestinal activity. This stimulation often leads to side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

The gastrointestinal disturbances occur because Erythromycin interacts with the motilin receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, promoting contractions and sometimes leading to discomfort. This effect is particularly pronounced in sensitive individuals or at higher doses.

While other adverse effects such as allergic reactions and skin rashes are possible, they occur less frequently compared to gastrointestinal symptoms. Therefore, when considering the side effects of Erythromycin, gastrointestinal upset is recognized as the most common and significant issue patients may experience during treatment.