erythromycin

Pronunciation: ĕ-rith′rō-mī′sin

Definition: A macrolide antibiotic agent obtained from cultures of a strain of Streptomyces erythraeus found in soil; it is active against Corynebacterium diphtheriae and several other species of Corynebacterium, Group A hemolytic streptococci, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Legionella, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Bordetella pertussis; gram-positive bacteria are in general more susceptible to its action than gram-negative bacteria are. Available as the estolate, ethylcarbonate, ethylsuccinate, gluceptate, lactobionate, stearate, and salts; active against Legionella and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Often used as a substitute antibiotic in penicillin-allergic patients.

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