Clinical laboratory studies on a new topical antibiotic: Thiostrepton

Thiostrepton, a new antibiotic, has been suggested as being highly active topically but inactive in terms of systemic therapy when administered orally and ingested. Detailed blood chemistry, hematology, and urine studies were undertaken in twenty-five patients in order that any undesirable systemic effects on physiologic processes following the topical oral administration of Thiostrepton in human beings might be observed. Our findings indicate that no alteration in general body function and no untoward reactions occurred as the result of the topical oral administration of approximately 1.43 grams per day of a 1 per cent Thiostrepton ointment in divided doses for a period of one week.