Comparative pharmacodynamics of azithromycin and roxithromycin with S. pyogenes and S. pneumoniae in a model that simulates in vitro pharmacokinetics in human tonsils.

Most macrolides penetrate and persist in peripheral tissues, irrespective of plasma concentrations. For this reason, comparative pharmacodynamics of macrolides might be better based on tissue rather than plasma pharmacokinetics. The present study compares the antimicrobial effects of azithromycin and roxithromycin on Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus pneumoniae using in vitro simulations of steady-state pharmacokinetics in human tonsils expected after a third 500 mg dose of azithromycin administered once a day and after a sixth 150 mg dose of roxithromycin administered twice a day.