Penetration of Clarithromycin into Oral and Respiratory Tissues

Abstract

This report summarises the results of 5 studies carried out to determine the penetration of clarithromycin and its 14-hydroxy metabolite into oral and respiratory tissues. 128 patients of both sexes undergoing dental surgery, rhinoplasty, lung resection or tonsil resection, or presenting with an acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, were administered clarithromycin (generally 250mg twice daily; 500mg twice daily for lung resections) for 3 days prior to sample collection. Serum, tissue and secretion samples were assayed for clarithromycin and 14-hydroxy clarithromycin using an agar diffusion bioassay or high performance liquid chromatography. Concentrations were assayed in triplicate and standard curves created using computerised linear regression analysis. Following oral administration, the pharmacodynamics of clarithromycin in oral and respiratory tissues and serum include therapeutic levels that exceed the minimum inhibitory concentrations for common respiratory pathogens for up to 12 hours following administration.