Impact of compliance and side effects on the clinical outcome of patients treated with oral erythromycin.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the relationship among compliance, side effects, and self-reported outcome for patients in an erythromycin trial.


METHODS
A retrospective analysis of data from a multicenter, prospective, single-blind, randomized trial.


METHODS
Five metropolitan ambulatory care offices.


METHODS
The 252 adults (> 18 yrs) were prescribed oral erythromycin 1.0 g/day (base equivalent) for infectious disorders.


METHODS
Subjects received erythromycin for 10 days and reported compliance, drug efficacy, and side effects in a daily diary. Compliance was measured by tablet count.


RESULTS
A negative correlation was found between gastrointestinal symptom severity score and percentage of tablets taken (p < 0.001). A significant positive correlation was seen between compliance and outcome (p < 0.001). Subjects who took greater than 80% of the drug achieved the treatment goal more frequently than those taking 80% or less (94% vs 59%, p < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Side effects of erythromycin adversely affected compliance. Compliance had a positive effect on self-reported outcome.
Anastasio
G D
GD
Department of Family Practice, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC 28232-2861.
Little
J M
JM
Robinson
M D
MD
Pettice
Y L
YL
Leitch
B B
BB
Norton
H J
HJ
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D004917:Erythromycin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012650:Self Disclosure; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D004917:Erythromycin