Effect of erythromycin on postprandial gastroesophageal reflux in reflux esophagitis.
The macrolide antibiotic erythromycin has recently been reported to exert profound prokinetic properties. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of erythromycin on postprandial gastroesophageal reflux in patients with reflux esophagitis.


METHODS
In 16 patients with reflux esophagitis (according to Savary and Miller: grade I, n = 8; grade II, n = 4; grade III/IV, n = 4) two pH measurements, with and without erythromycin, were performed for three postprandial hours after lunch. Erythromycin was administered in a dose of 3.5 mg/kg intravenously just prior to lunch.


RESULTS
With erythromycin, the median fraction time esophageal pH < 4 was significantly decreased (7.6% versus 18.1%; P < 0.05). This decrease was the result of a diminished frequency of reflux episodes (19 vs 25; P < 0.05) and a shortening of the median reflux duration (0.7 min vs 1.1 min; P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Intravenous administration of erythromycin decreases postprandial gastroesophageal reflux in patients with reflux esophagitis.
Pehl
C
C
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Bogenhausen, Munich, Germany.
Pfeiffer
A
A
Wendl
B
B
Stellwag
B
B
Kaess
H
H
D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004435:Eating; D004917:Erythromycin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004942:Esophagitis, Peptic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004947:Esophagus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013997:Time Factors
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D004917:Erythromycin