[Rovamycin (spiramycin)--a macrolide antibiotic for intravenous administration: a trial in the treatment of pneumonia].

An open non-comparative study of rovamycin (spiramycin produced by Rhone-Poulenc Rorer) for intravenous administration was performed to evaluate its clinical and bacteriological efficacy, safety and tolerance. Thirty patients (adults aged 16-65 years) with community-acquired pneumonia were involved into the study. Two patients were dropped out because of adverse events. Dosage regimen was 1,500,000 I.U. three times a day (intravenous infusion). The treatment was continued after partial recovery (3,000,000 I.U. per os). Spiramycin showed a high clinical efficacy. Approximately half of the patients (41.4-55.6%) had positive clinical trends by third day of spiramycin treatment. The overall clinical efficacy by the completion of the drug administration reached 90.0%. Bacteriological activity was observed in 93.4% of the patients treated. Adverse events were observed in 6 (20.0%) patients, including 2 dropouts. Serious side effects were not registered. As rovamycin showed high clinical efficacy and good safety the drug may be recommended for the treatment of adult pneumonia.