Intravenous administration of erythromycin: serum, sputum and urine levels.

Eight patients requiring antibacterial therapy were given a continuous infusion of erythromycin lactobionate, using 5% dextrose solution as the infusant, at the rate of 1 g per 12 hours over a period of 5 days. Serum, urinary, and sputum levels of the antibiotic were measured at regular intervals. The results of the assays showed that after the initial 8 hours the levels of erythromycin produced were sufficient to inhibit a wide range of aerobic and anaerobic pathogens. There was no evidence of clinical or biochemical deterioration of renal or liver cell function during the treatment period.