Penetration of Erythromycin in Waldeyers Ring—Adenoid Tissue

Abstract

Erythromycin was given orally to 72 children with adenoid enlargement. Adenoidectomy was performed at different times during treatment. The concentration of erythromycin in adenoid tissue homogenate, in blood and in plasma was determined according to a microbiologic agar-well diffusion method. Blood-free tissue levels were calculated. Already after the first dose the concentration of erythromycin in tissue reached the same level as the concomitant plasma concentration. During the course of treatment the tissue concentration was maintained at a therapeutic level. After the last dose a rapid elimination took place. The tissue concentration in the adenoid was ten times above the MIC of S. pneumoniae and Br. catarrhalis. but not for H. influenzae.