Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ERYTHROMYCIN versus ZITHROMAX.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ERYTHROMYCIN versus ZITHROMAX.
ERYTHROMYCIN vs ZITHROMAX
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis by blocking the translocation step.
Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria, inhibiting protein synthesis by preventing translocation of peptides. It also has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects.
250-500 mg orally every 6 hours or 500-1000 mg intravenously every 6 hours; maximum 4 g/day.
500 mg orally once daily for 3 days, or 2 g orally as a single dose for certain infections.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal half-life is 1.4-2 hours in adults with normal renal function; may be prolonged to 5-6 hours in anuria.
Clinical Note
moderateErythromycin + Norfloxacin
"Erythromycin may increase the QTc-prolonging activities of Norfloxacin."
Clinical Note
moderateErythromycin + Teriflunomide
"The serum concentration of Teriflunomide can be increased when it is combined with Erythromycin."
Clinical Note
moderateErythromycin + Ibandronate
"Erythromycin may increase the QTc-prolonging activities of Ibandronate."
Clinical Note
moderateErythromycin + Indapamide
Terminal elimination half-life of approximately 68 hours (range 35-96 hours), allowing once-weekly dosing for some indications.
Primarily hepatic (biliary) elimination; approximately 2-5% excreted unchanged in urine, 30-60% excreted in feces via bile.
Primarily eliminated via biliary/fecal route (∼50-60% as unchanged drug); renal excretion accounts for ∼12% of the dose; minimal metabolism.
Category A/B
Category C
Macrolide Antibiotic
Macrolide Antibiotic
"Erythromycin may increase the QTc-prolonging activities of Indapamide."