DoseFacts.in

Macrolide antibiotics: What They Do, Medicines

Also in: हिन्दी தமிழ் मराठी తెలుగు ಕನ್ನಡ বাংলা ગુજરાતી മലയാളം

Macrolides are antibiotics that stop bacteria from growing by blocking how they make proteins. They are used to treat some bacterial infections of the chest, sinuses, throat, ears and skin, and some sexually transmitted infections. Examples include azithromycin, clarithromycin and erythromycin. They act on many of the same bacteria as penicillins, so they are an option for many people who are allergic to penicillin.

Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.

How do Macrolide antibiotics work?

Macrolides attach to the larger (50S) part of the bacterial ribosome, the machinery bacteria use to build proteins. Without new proteins the bacteria cannot grow or multiply, and the body's immune system clears the infection. They have no effect on viruses.

Active ingredients of this type

These active ingredients belong to Macrolide antibiotics. They are listed A to Z.

  • Azithromycin: Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections.

Common questions

Why is azithromycin taken once a day but erythromycin more often?

Azithromycin builds up in the tissues and leaves the body slowly, so one dose a day is enough and courses are often short. Erythromycin leaves the body faster and is usually taken four times a day, and clarithromycin twice a day. Your doctor chooses the medicine and the schedule for the infection.

Can macrolide antibiotics affect the heart?

Rarely, macrolides can change the heart's rhythm (QT prolongation), which can be dangerous. The risk is higher in older people, in people with heart rhythm problems or low potassium or magnesium, and with other medicines that affect heart rhythm. Tell your doctor about these before taking a macrolide.

Sources

  1. National Formulary of India. Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission
  2. Common questions about azithromycin. NHS (UK)
  3. ZITHROMAX (azithromycin) tablets and oral suspension: full prescribing information. Pfizer, US FDA-approved labeling
  4. Azithromycin. StatPearls, National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), US National Library of Medicine
  5. Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification index: J01FA Macrolides. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology