DIRITHROMYCIN

Description: Dirithromycin is a macrolide and a prodrug of erythromycin. It fights bacteria by killing and preventing its growth, such as in many gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria, as well as mycoplasmas, spirochetes, chlamydias and rickettsias.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: Readily absorbed after oral admin; undergoes rapid non-enzymatic hydrolysis to its active metabolite erythromycylamine. Bioavailability: About 10%.
Distribution: Widely distributed and tissue concentrations exceed those in plasma. Protein binding:15-30%.
Excretion: Largely excreted unchanged in the bile with only about 2% in the urine. Mean plasma half-life: About 8 hr.

Uses

Indications:

Dirithromycin is used to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body.

How to use dirithromycin:

Dosage:

For oral dosage form (tablets):

For bacterial infections:

Adults and teenagers—500 milligrams (mg) once a day for seven to fourteen days.

Children up to 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Dirithromycin comes as an enteric-coated tablet to take by mouth.
It is usually taken once a day for 7-14 days.
Take dirithromycin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
The tablets should be swallowed whole.
Do not stop taking dirithromycin without talking to your doctor.

Availability: This drug has been discontinued

Warnings

Not available.

Side Effects

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Abdominal tenderness or pain
Fever
severe abdominal or stomach cramps and pain
watery and severe diarrhea, which may also be bloody

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:

Diarrhea
Dizziness
Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
weakness

Precautions

Precautions:

Allergy: Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to dirithromycin or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Dirithromycin has been tested in a limited number of elderly patients and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions:

Using dirithromycin with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take: Dihydroergotamine,Ergoloid Mesylates, Ergonovine, Ergotamine, Methylergonovine, Methysergide, Pimozide
Using dirithromycin with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines: Dofetilide
Using dirithromycin with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines: Cyclosporine, Fentanyl

Overdose & Brands

Overdose:

The dose of dirithromycin will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of dirithromycin. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of dirithromycin, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Brands:

There are no brands containing this molecule.