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Which form of erythromycin should be used to treat gastroparesis? A pharmacokinetic analysis
Author(s) -
Eli D. Ehrenpreis,
Daniel Zaitman,
Hugh N. Nellans
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
alimentary pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.308
H-Index - 177
eISSN - 1365-2036
pISSN - 0269-2813
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2036.1998.00302.x
Subject(s) - gastroparesis , medicine , pharmacokinetics , erythromycin , pharmacology , gastroenterology , intensive care medicine , antibiotics , gastric emptying , stomach , microbiology and biotechnology , biology
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. Aim: 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 ( t max ), maximum concentration ( C max ) and bioavailability ( F ). Results: The absorption kinetics of the erythromycin suspension was notable for short lag times and early t max , while lag times and t max 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 t max 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). Conclusion: Based on the kinetic data from this study, erythromycin suspension is the ideal dosage form for administration of this drug as a prokinetic agent.