53066-26-5

Lexithromycin is an early semi-synthetic erythromycin, prepared by reaction of the 9-keto moiety to methyl oxime. The structural change improves the pH stability profile and hydrophobicity of lexithromycin for better in vivo absorption. This same rationale was used to greater effect with roxithromycin and, as a result, lexithromycin was quickly superseded and has not been not extensively studied. Like all tetracyclines, lexithromycin shows broad spectrum antibacterial and antiprotozoan activity and acts by binding to the 30S and 50S ribosomal sub-units, blocking protein synthesis.