[Effect of a secretolytic agent (bromhexine) on the penetration of erythromycin into bronchial secretions].

The authors report the results of a double blind study in 22 patients on the penetration of erythromycin into bronchial secretion. The antibiotic erythromycin was administered in combination with bromhexine, which is known to disrupt mucopolysaccharide fibers in respiratory secretions. The objective of the study was to demonstrate the possible increase of the rate of penetration of erythromycin when combined with bromhexine. The study was carried out in a double blind experiment; bronchial secretions were obtained from patients with bronchial hypersecretion by means of fiberoptic bronchoscopy. The assessment of erythromycin concentrations in all samples was performed by means of microbiological agar diffusion method. The results of the investigation show a significant increase of the ratios between bronchial levels and simultaneous serum concentrations of erythromycin when administered in combination with bromhexine. The results of this preliminary study suggest the continuation of similar investigations with other antibiotics usually administered for the treatment of respiratory infections.