Plasma and sputum erythromycin concentrations in chronic bronchitis
Abstract:
Plasma and sputum concentrations of erythromycin were measured in 10 patients with chronic bronchitis during an eight-day course of a new formulation of erythromycin stearate. The plasma erythromycin levels compared favourably with the minimal inhibitory concentrations for common respiratory pathogens and indicated adequate gastrointestinal absorption when the drug was taken immediately before food. Sputum erythromycin levels were variable and in some patients low or undetectable. Measurable sputum erythromycin levels were approximately 10% of plasma levels with no evidence of accumulation and were of similar order of magnitude to the minimal inhibitory concentrations for common respiratory pathogens except Haemophilus influenzae. There was no correlation between sputum and plasma erythromycin levels. There was a trend for higher erythromycin levels in sputum containing increasing amounts of pus and also when plasma levels increased.
Related Concept Videos
COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Sputum Studies II: Culture and Sensitivity
Sputum culture and sensitivity is a medical procedure used to diagnose bacterial infections in the respiratory tract and select the most appropriate antibiotics for treatment. This process involves analyzing sputum samples of thick and opaque secretions produced in the lungs and airways. These samples are collected from patients and then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
The test can identify various pathogens responsible for respiratory infections, including Streptococcus,...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations


