Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

LEUCOMYCIN A2

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

A member of the leucomycin family of macrolide antibiotics of the erythromycin- carbomycin
group produced by Streptomyces kitasatoensis. Used in a similar fashion to erythromycin to
treat susceptible infections. Active against Gram- positive organisms and rickettsiae.
Cross- resistance occurs with microorganisms resistant to erythromycin and carbomycin.
Normally given by mouth.

SYNONYMS

C65-H111-N-O22, C65-H111-N-O22, RP-6237-2, "macrolide antibiotic/ antibacterial/
antimycoplasmal"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

None

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-  existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  Macrolides comprise a large group of antibiotics derived from Streptomyces spp. having in common a macrocyclic lactone ring to which one or more sugars are attached. They are all weak bases. The most common side effect produced by the family of macrolide antibiotics is gastrointestinal discomfort. Supra-infections may occur although these are rare. Several macrolides produced allergic sensitization but, again, these are rare. Symptoms include watery eyes, shortness of breath, nasal congestion, choking, coughing and wheezing. Allergic skin reactions have also occurred. Exposure to at least one member of the family, erythromycin, at high concentrations, has produced reversible deafness (ototoxicity). Systemic reactions including fever, rash, and lymph-node pain or swelling have been produced by the avermectin group. Ivermectin has produced ataxia (incoordination), lethargy, bradypnea (slowed breathing), vomiting, mydriasis (dilated pupils), sedation, tremors and death in animals. The avermectin group (anthelmintics, insecticides and acaricides) mediate the transmission of gamma-butyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter, in mammals thus causing paralysis. Hepatotoxic effects with transient disturbances and jaundice have resulted from the use of oleandomycin. Transient alterations in heart rate/ rhythm have also been produced by several members of the family (notably tilmicosin). Heart muscle degeneration, characterized by small areas of cell death have also been reported in animals exposed to tilmicosin. Cross-resistance is often observed between the macrolide, lincosamide and streptogramin group of antibiotics.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  The dust may produce eye discomfort causing smarting, pain and redness.  

SKIN

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or skin irritation following contact (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting.  Persons with impaired respiratory function, airway diseases and conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, may incur further disability if excessive concentrations of particulate are inhaled.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are by accidental skin and eye contact andinhalation of generated dusts.  No human exposure data available. For this reason health effects described are based on experience with chemically related materials.  As with any chemical product, contact with unprotected bare skin; inhalation of vapor, mist or dust in work place atmosphere; or ingestion in any form, should be avoided by observing good occupational work practice.