What is Dirithromycin?

Dirithromycin is an antibiotic used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and skin and throat infections.  Dirithromycin is effective only against infections caused by bacteria; it is ineffective against those caused by viruses (for example, colds and flu), fungi, or other microorganisms.  

How does Dirithromycin work?

Dirithromycin prevents bacterial cells from manufacturing specific proteins necessary for their survival.

How should Dirithromycin be used?

Dirithromycin comes as an enteric-coated tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day for 7-14 days. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. 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 chew, crush, or cut tablets. Take with a full glass of water.  Continue to take dirithromycin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking dirithromycin without talking to your doctor.  

Pharmacokinetics of dirithromycin

Dirithromycin is administered orally. Following oral administration, dirithromycin is rapidly absorbed and appears to have greater stability in an acidic environment than erythromycin. Systemic bioavailability is about 10%. Food can prolong the time to peak concentration (Tmax) and can increase the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC). Once in the systemic circulation, dirithromycin is rapidly converted to its active metabolite, erythromycylamine, by nonenzymatic hydrolysis.

Range and frequency of using Dirithromycin

Adults and children age 12 and over: 500 mg, once a day for 5 to 14 days (depending on the condition being treated). It is recommended that this medication be taken at the same time every day.

Dirithromycin onset of effect

Within 2 hours, full effect may occur in 2 to 5 days.  

Dirithromycin duration of action

From 30 to 50 hours.

Dirithromycin dietary advice

Take this medicine with food or within 1 hour of eating. Drink plenty of fluids.  

What special precautions should follow before taking Dirithromycin?  

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to dirithromycin, azithromycin (Zithromax), clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin, or any other drugs.  

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking dirithromycin, call your doctor.

If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking dirithromycin.

What should I do if I forget a Dirithromycin dose?  

Take the missed Dirithromycin dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.  

 What side effects can this medication cause?

Although side effects from dirithromycin are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, mild skin rash, stomach pain and headache.

What storage conditions are needed for Dirithromycin?

Keep Dirithromycin in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store Dirithromycin at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Do not drive or engage in hazardous work until you determine how dirithromycin affects you. Pregnancy adequate studies of the use of dirithromycin during pregnancy have not been done. It is not known if dirithromycin passes into breast milk; consult your doctor for advice.  Dirithromycin should be given to children under 12 only under close medical supervision.

What to do if Dirithromycin overdose?

No cases of dirithromycin overdose have been reported. Symptoms would most likely include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and heartburn.  An overdose of dirithromycin is unlikely to be life threatening.  However, if someone takes a much larger dose than prescribed, contact a doctor or the nearest poison control center for advice.

What other information about Dirithromycin should I know? 

Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to dirithromycin. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the dirithromycin, call your doctor.

Dirithromycin Storage

Store in a tightly sealed container away from moisture, heat, and direct light.  

Disclaimer:

Information on this page is provided for general information purposes. You should not make a clinical treatment decision based on information contained in this page without consulting other references including the package insert of the drug, textbooks and where relevant, expert opinion. We cannot be held responsible for any errors you make in administering drugs mentioned on this page, nor for use of any erroneous information contained on this page.