Experimental study of the possible influence of a fluidifying agent (bromhexine) on the penetration of erythromycine into bronchial secretions
Bergogne-Berezin, E.; Pierre, J.; Dournovo, P.
Therapie 34(6): 705-711
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0040-5957 PMID: 547444 Document Number: 140509
The penetration of erythromycin into bronchial secretions, with the combination of the antibiotic and a fluidifying agent, bromhexine, which is known as a drug able to disrupt mucopolysaccharides of respiratory secretions was studied. 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 taken in patients by fiberoptic bronchoscopy and the measurement of erythromycin concentrations in all samples was performed by the microbiological agar diffusion method. The results of the study show a significant increase of the ratios between bronchial levels and simultaneous serum concentrations of erythromycin when administered in combination with bromhexine. This preliminary study suggests the development of similar experiments with other drugs usually administered in respiratory infections.