Pharmaceutical Applications
A semisynthetic diacetyl derivative of midecamycin A1. It is generally less active than erythromycin and some strains of H. influenzae and E. faecalis are resistant. It is rapidly and extensively metabolized, though some metabolites retain antibacterial activity.
Absorption of the dry formulation is unaffected by food, whereas that of the oral suspension is delayed. In various studies the peak plasma concentration was 1.65, 1.31–3 and 1.3–2.7 mg/L after doses of 400, 600 and 800 mg, respectively.
It is said to exhibit less toxicity than earlier macrolides. Attention has been paid to its interaction with theophylline, which resembles that of other macrolides. It is of limited availability.
