Erythromycin

 

Pharmacokinetics

Erythromycin is absorbed from the small intestine, the
drug gets partially destroyed by the gastric juice so it must be
administered in enteric coated form. It is mainly concentrated in the
bile.

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Oral

ACUTE BACTERIAL PHARYNIGITIS TONSILLITIS, SINUSITIS, OTITIS,
MASTOIDITIS, EPIGLOTTITIS, BRONCHITIS, PNEUMONIA ERYSIPELAS, WHOOPING
COUGH, CELLULITIS, CARBUNCLE, PYODERMA, DIPHTHERIA, LEGIONNAIRE’S
DISEASE CHACROID, UROGENITAL INFECTIONS: Usual dose 1g daily b.i.d/q.i.d
Upto 4g/day can be given in severe infections. Legionnaire’s disease:
500mg-1g 6 hrly. Streptococcal prophylaxis: 250mg 12 hrly. Children
30-50mg/kg/day in 3-4 divided doses. May be doubled in severe
infections. Elderly: Maximum daily dose 1.5g.

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Action

Primarily bacteriostatic against a wide range of
organisms. Erythromycin is used as an alternative to tetracyclines in
chlamydial infections. It is also used in diphtheria, pertussis,
legionnaire’s disease and other respiratory tract infections. Also used
topically in acne vulgaris.

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With Acetaminophen, Amiodarone or Anabolic steroids, Androgens,
antithyroid agents, Carmustine, Chloroquine, Dantrolene, Daunorubicin,
Disulfiram, Divalproex, Estrogens, Gold salts, Hydroxychloroquine,
Mercaptopurine, Methotrexate, Methyldopa, Naltrexone: Use of these drugs
with erythromycins, especially erythromycin estolate, may increase the
incidence of hepatic disorders.

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Adverse
Effect & Precaution



Local irritation, redness, pruritis.

In cardiac disease:
High doses of erythromycin may increase the chance of adverse effects in
patients with a history of an arrhythmias. Hepatic disease
:Erythromycins, especially erythromycin estolate, may increase the
chance of adverse effects involving the liver. Loss of hearing : High
doses of erythromycins may, on rare occasion, cause hearing loss and
ototoxicity, especially in renal or hepatic disease.

Pregnancy: Use with caution.

Breast Feeding: Use with caution.

Man: May be used.

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