Penetration of roxithromycin into gingival tissue

Roxithromycin is a new macrolide with an antibacterial spectrum similar to that of erythromycin. Absorption is rapid and complete, resulting in high serum levels and a long half-life. Tissue distribution is extensive and sustained, as shown by the high concentrations measured in the lung, prostate, ovaries, liver, kidney, and skin. In this study, we measured the penetration of roxithromycin into gingival tissue at steady state in 30 patients treated orally with 150 mg every 12 hr for 5 days. Tissue specimens were sampled at 2, 4, 6, 8, or 12 hr (n = 6 each time) after dose 10, and blood samples were taken simultaneously. Serum and tissue concentrations of roxithromycin were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. The peak serum level, reached 4 hr after dosing, was 6.60 +/- 1.15 micrograms/ml. The peak tissue level was 4.63 +/- 1.84 micrograms/g and was reached after 8 hr. From 4 to 10 hr after dosing, tissue concentrations were greater than 2 micrograms/g, that is, higher than the MIC90 of roxithromycin against most oral pathogens. These data support the use of roxithromycin in the treatment of oral infections.