Randomized double-blind crossover study to determine the effects of erythromycin on small intestinal nutrient absorption and transit in the critically ill

Abstract

Background: The gastrokinetic drug erythromycin is commonly administered to critically ill patients during intragastric feeding to augment small intestinal nutrient delivery. However, erythromycin has been reported to increase the prevalence of diarrhea, which may reflect reduced absorption and/or accelerated small intestinal transit. Objective: The objective was to evaluate the effects of intravenous erythromycin on small intestinal nutrient absorption and transit in the critically ill. Design: On consecutive days, erythromycin (200 mg in 20 mL 0.9% saline) or placebo (20 mL 0.9% saline) were infused intravenously between 220 and 0 min in a randomized, blinded, crossover fashion. Between 0 ..