Erythromycin (2 X 1 g) as a Regimen for community-acquired pneumonia

Erythromycin is regarded more and more as the primary therapy for community-acquired pneumonia. In a prospective study, treatment with erythromycin was evaluated in cases of community-acquired pneumonia requiring hospitalisation. Therapy was started intravenously with 1 g erythromycin lactobionate b. i. d., followed by 1 g erythromycin ethylsuccinate b. i. d., administered orally, until the patient had definitely recovered. Twenty-four patients with documented pneumonia were admitted to the study; five were excluded since the infections were caused by bacteria which were not susceptible to erythromycin. Nineteen patients responded well to therapy. No severe side-effects could be observed. Erythromycin (1 g b. i. d.) appears to be an effective, well-tolerated regimen for severe community-acquired pneumonia.