Related Experiment Videos
Tonsillar tissue penetration of dirithromycin after multiple doses
J M Benson1, J Arnold, S C Manning
1Department of Pharmacy Services, University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics, Salt Lake City, USA.
Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|September 1, 1996
Summary
Dirithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic, achieves high concentrations in tonsil tissue, supporting its effectiveness against streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis. This study compared dirithromycin and erythromycin serum and tonsil levels.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Dirithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic effective against Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis.
- Understanding drug concentrations in serum and target tissues is crucial for assessing antibiotic efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare serum and tonsil tissue concentrations of erythromycylamine (from dirithromycin) and erythromycin.
- To evaluate concentrations after 5-day dirithromycin and 10-day erythromycin regimens.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, multicenter, randomized study.
- 39 patients undergoing tonsillectomy were randomized to receive dirithromycin (500 mg once daily) or erythromycin (250 mg four times daily).
- Serum and tonsil tissue concentrations were measured.
Main Results:
- Mean tonsil tissue concentrations of erythromycylamine were significantly higher with dirithromycin compared to undetectable levels with erythromycin.
- Serum concentrations of erythromycylamine were observed with dirithromycin treatment.
- Erythromycin serum concentrations were variable and often undetectable in tonsil tissue.
Conclusions:
- High dirithromycin concentrations in tonsil tissue correlate with its clinical efficacy in treating streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis.
- Dirithromycin demonstrates favorable tissue penetration for treating pharyngotonsillitis.
- The study supports dirithromycin as an effective therapeutic option for Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infections.