Which form of erythromycin should be used to treat gastroparesis? A pharmacokinetic analysis.
BACKGROUND
Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that exhibits prokinetic effects. It has been shown to enhance antral contractility and accelerates gastric emptying rates, primarily by stimulating motilin receptors.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the optimal dosage form of erythromycin for use as a prokinetic agent.


METHODS
Eight normal volunteers and three patients with documented gastroparesis ingested 250 mg erythromycin in tablet. suspension and intravenous forms. Serum erythromycin levels were determined at frequent intervals. These data were plotted vs. time and analysed for lag time, time to maximum concentration (tmax), maximum concentration (Cmax) and bioavailability (F).


RESULTS
The absorption kinetics of the erythromycin suspension was notable for short lag times and early tmax, while lag times and tmax were delayed with the tablet form. Median lag time was 15 min for the suspension vs. 90 min for the tablet (P < 0.005). Median tmax for the suspension was 45 min vs. 180 min for the tablet (P < 0.005). A non-significant decrease in F was seen with the suspension compared to the tablet (P = 0.12).


CONCLUSIONS
Based on the kinetic data from this study, erythromycin suspension is the ideal dosage form for administration of this drug as a prokinetic agent.
Department of Gastroenterology, University of Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA.
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D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004917:Erythromycin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018589:Gastroparesis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007700:Kinetics
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004917:Erythromycin