Abstract

S. Shafia*, Praneeth Chandluri, Ramesh Ganpisetti, Dr. B.V.S. Lakshmi and Dr. P. Aravinda Swami

ABSTRACT

Erythromycin is an antibiotic useful for the treatment of a number of bacterial infections. This includes respiratory tract infections, skin infections, chlamydia infections, and syphilis. It may also be used during pregnancy to prevent Group B streptococcal infection in the newborn. Erythromycin may be used to improve delayed stomach emptying. It can be given intravenously and by mouth. An eye ointment is routinely recommended after delivery to prevent eye infections in the newborn. Erythromycin displays bacteriostatic activity or inhibits growth of bacteria, especially at higher concentration but the mechanism is not fully understood. By binding to the 50s subunit of the bacterial rRNA complex, protein synthesis and subsequent structure and function processes critical for life or replication are inhibited. Erythromycin is very rapidly absorbed, and diffuses into most tissues and phagocytes. Usual dosage range: -Oral: -Base: 250-500 mg every 6-12 hours. Erythromycin estolate has been associated with reversible hepatotoxicity in pregnant women in the form of elevated serum glutamic-oxalo acetic transaminase and is not recommended during pregnancy. Some evidence suggests similar hepatotoxicity in other populations. Erythromycin may affect neuromuscular transmission by acting presynaptically, so may produce or worsen symptoms of myasthenia gravis in patients with pre-existing postsynaptic defects. Exacerbations of myasthenia gravis have also been reported with the use of telithromycin and azithromycin.