A class of antibiotics produced naturally by Streptomyces, a type of aerobic bacteria. The macrolides have a wide spectrum of activity and are used to treat infections in people who are allergic to penicillin. Among the infections treated with macrolides are Streptococcus infections, legionnaires disease, and chlamydial infections. Macrolides are also used to improve digestive activity in people with diabetes and to control severe cases of acne.
A group of antibiotics including erythromycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin and spiramycin. Macrolides check protein synthesis in bacteria and are active against several bacterial species including gram-positive cocci and rods; they are particularly useful for people with penicillin allergy. Clarithromycin is potent against Helicobacter pylori and is useful in treating dyspepsia, while azithromycin is effective against infections caused by Legionella spp and gonococci. Spiramycin is a restricted-use macrolide prescribed for pregnant patients with toxoplasmosis.
A class of antibiotics that inhibits protein synthesis by bacteria at the 50S ribosome. They are usually used for respiratory tract, skin, and genitourinary infections. Examples of macrolides are erythromycin, clarithromycin, and azithromycin.