Plasma and sputum erythromycin concentrations in chronic bronchitis
Thorax
|June 1, 1980
Summary
This study on erythromycin stearate in chronic bronchitis patients found adequate plasma drug levels for fighting respiratory pathogens. However, sputum concentrations were variable and sometimes low, suggesting potential challenges in achieving effective lung tissue drug levels.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Chronic bronchitis is a significant respiratory illness often requiring antibiotic treatment.
- Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used for respiratory tract infections.
- Optimizing antibiotic delivery to respiratory tissues is crucial for treatment efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate plasma and sputum concentrations of a new erythromycin stearate formulation.
- To assess the gastrointestinal absorption and tissue penetration of erythromycin in chronic bronchitis patients.
- To compare drug concentrations with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for relevant pathogens.
Main Methods:
- 10 patients with chronic bronchitis received an eight-day course of erythromycin stearate.
- Plasma and sputum samples were collected to measure erythromycin concentrations.
- Drug levels were compared to MICs for common respiratory pathogens.
Main Results:
- Plasma erythromycin levels were favorable compared to MICs, indicating good absorption when taken before food.
- Sputum erythromycin levels were highly variable, often low or undetectable.
- Measurable sputum levels were ~10% of plasma levels, with no accumulation observed.
- Sputum concentrations were generally similar to MICs, except for Haemophilus influenzae.
- No correlation found between sputum and plasma levels; trends suggested higher sputum levels with increased pus and plasma concentrations.
Conclusions:
- The new erythromycin stearate formulation demonstrates adequate gastrointestinal absorption.
- Variable sputum penetration may limit efficacy against certain respiratory pathogens in chronic bronchitis.
- Further research is needed to optimize erythromycin delivery to lung tissues for chronic bronchitis treatment.
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