Pirlimycin

Pirlimycin is an antibiotic used in veterinary medicine to treat mastitis in dairy cattle. It is a member of the lincosamide class of antibiotics and works by inhibiting protein synthesis in susceptible bacteria.

Chemistry

Pirlimycin is a semi-synthetic antibiotic, derived from lincomycin. It is a white to off-white crystalline powder that is soluble in water. The chemical name for pirlimycin is N-[[2-[[2-(1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)ethyl]thio]ethyl]-6,11-dihydro-4-(1-methyl-3,3-diphenyl-propyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepin-1-one.

Pharmacology

Pirlimycin is bacteriostatic, meaning it inhibits the growth of bacteria rather than killing them directly. It works by binding to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, thereby inhibiting protein synthesis. Pirlimycin is effective against a range of Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae, which are common causes of bovine mastitis.

Usage

Pirlimycin is administered intramammary, meaning it is injected directly into the udder. It is used to treat mastitis in lactating dairy cows, and is particularly effective against infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae. Treatment typically involves a single dose, although severe infections may require additional doses.

Safety

As with all antibiotics, overuse of pirlimycin can lead to the development of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, it should be used only when necessary and under the supervision of a veterinarian. Milk from cows treated with pirlimycin should not be used for human consumption until a specified withdrawal period has passed to ensure that residues of the drug have been eliminated.

See also

• Lincosamide
• Mastitis
• Antibiotic resistance

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