Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: AZITHROMYCIN versus ERYTHROCIN STEARATE.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: AZITHROMYCIN versus ERYTHROCIN STEARATE.
AZITHROMYCIN vs ERYTHROCIN STEARATE
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria, inhibiting mRNA translation and thus protein synthesis. Exhibits concentration-dependent bactericidal activity.
Erythromycin binds to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, inhibiting protein synthesis by blocking the translocation step. It may also act as a motilin receptor agonist, stimulating gastrointestinal motility.
500 mg orally once daily for 3 days, or 500 mg IV once daily for at least 2 days followed by 500 mg orally to complete 7-10 days of therapy for community-acquired pneumonia. For other indications, typical adult dose is 500 mg orally on day 1 then 250 mg orally once daily on days 2-5.
250-500 mg orally every 6 hours for mild to moderate infections; up to 4 g/day for severe infections.
None Documented
None Documented
Clinical Note
moderateAzithromycin + Norfloxacin
"Azithromycin may increase the QTc-prolonging activities of Norfloxacin."
Clinical Note
moderateAzithromycin + Ibandronate
"Azithromycin may increase the QTc-prolonging activities of Ibandronate."
Clinical Note
moderateAzithromycin + Indapamide
"Azithromycin may increase the QTc-prolonging activities of Indapamide."
Clinical Note
moderateAzithromycin + Artesunate
"The serum concentration of the active metabolites of Artesunate can be reduced when Artesunate is used in combination with Azithromycin resulting in a loss in efficacy."
Terminal half-life of approximately 68 hours (range 35–96 h) after multiple doses, allowing once-daily dosing and a prolonged post-antibiotic effect.
1.5-2 hours in adults; prolonged to 5-6 hours in severe hepatic impairment. In anuria, half-life not significantly affected.
Primarily biliary/fecal (approx. 50% unchanged); renal excretion accounts for about 12% of the dose.
Primarily biliary-fecal (90-95% as unchanged drug and metabolites); renal excretion accounts for 2-15%.
Category A/B
Category C
Macrolide Antibiotic
Macrolide Antibiotic