Impact of compliance and side effects on the clinical outcome of patients treated with oral erythromycin

• Published in: Pharmacotherapy Vol. 14; no. 2; p. 229
• Main Authors: Anastasio, G D, Little, Jr, J M, Robinson, M D, Pettice, Y L, Leitch, B B, Norton, H J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.03.1994
• Subjects: Administration, Oral; Adult; Erythromycin - administration & dosage; Erythromycin - adverse effects; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Compliance; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Self Disclosure; Single-Blind Method; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 0277-0008
• DOI: 10.1002/j.1875-9114.1994.tb02814.x

To determine the relationship among compliance, side effects, and self-reported outcome for patients in an erythromycin trial. A retrospective analysis of data from a multicenter, prospective, single-blind, randomized trial. Five metropolitan ambulatory care offices. The 252 adults (> 18 yrs) were prescribed oral erythromycin 1.0 g/day (base equivalent) for infectious disorders. Subjects received erythromycin for 10 days and reported compliance, drug efficacy, and side effects in a daily diary. Compliance was measured by tablet count. A negative correlation was found between gastrointestinal symptom severity score and percentage of tablets taken (p < 0.001). A significant positive correlation was seen between compliance and outcome (p < 0.001). Subjects who took greater than 80% of the drug achieved the treatment goal more frequently than those taking 80% or less (94% vs 59%, p < 0.001). Side effects of erythromycin adversely affected compliance. Compliance had a positive effect on self-reported outcome.