Erythromycyclamine retains the antibacterial properties of erythromycin oral administration. The prodrug, dirithromycin, is provided as enteric coated tablets to protect it from acid catalyzed hydrolysis in the stomach.
Erythromycyclamine maintains its antibacterial effects when taken orally, while dirithromycin is a prodrug that is protected from being broken down by stomach acid through enteric coating.