Erythromycin
| Uses: | respiratory, skin, oral infections; impetigo; diabetic foot infection Also prokinetic |
|---|---|
| Spectrum | Gram +ve and -ve - including MRCEM pathology/Microbiology/Mycoplasma pneumonia and Legionella pneumonia |
| Mechanisms of resistance | - efflux mechanisms - methylation of ribosomal binding site |
| Mechanism of action | Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by inhibiting translocation of tRNA - binds to 50S ribosomal subunit Bacteriostatic and bacteriocidal |
| Dose | typically 250-500mg QDS |
| Pharmacokinetics | Absorption PO, IV Distribution poor CSF penetrance Metabolism liver Elimination urine. t½ 1.5h |
| Time course of action | |
| Adverse effects | haemolytic anaemia GI upset - prokinetic Pancreatitis QT prolongation Important drug interactions: - P450 inhibitor (i.e. â clearance in drugs metabolised by P450) - i.e. â warfarin effect - â effect of statins |