Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ERYTHROMYCIN ETHYLSUCCINATE versus PCE.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ERYTHROMYCIN ETHYLSUCCINATE versus PCE.
ERYTHROMYCIN ETHYLSUCCINATE vs PCE
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Erythromycin ethylsuccinate is a macrolide antibiotic that binds to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, inhibiting protein synthesis by blocking translocation of peptidyl-tRNA. It may also have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.
PCE (erythromycin) binds to the 50S subunit of bacterial ribosomes, inhibiting protein synthesis by blocking translocation of peptides.
400-800 mg orally every 6 hours or 4 times daily; maximum 4 g/day. Intravenous form available but ethylester is oral only.
Erythromycin ethylsuccinate (PCE) typical adult dose: 400 mg orally every 6 hours or 800 mg orally every 12 hours. Maximum 4 g/day.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life: 1.5-2 hours in adults with normal renal function; extended to 5-6 hours in patients with severe hepatic impairment; not significantly altered by renal failure.
Terminal elimination half-life is approximately 3-5 hours in adults with normal renal function; may be prolonged to 7-10 hours in renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min).
Primarily hepatic metabolism and biliary excretion (80-90% as unchanged drug and metabolites into bile); renal excretion accounts for 5-15% of unchanged drug; fecal elimination of unabsorbed drug.
Primarily renal (about 70-80% as unchanged drug and metabolites via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion); minor biliary/fecal elimination (10-15%).
Category A/B
Category C
Macrolide Antibiotic
Macrolide Antibiotic