How Do Macrolides Work?

Macrolides are antibiotics used for infections caused by gram-positive bacteria (streptococcal and pneumococcal infections).

Macrolide antibiotics inhibit protein synthesis by targeting the bacterial ribosomes (responsible for the synthesis of cellular proteins) and occluding the nascent peptide exit tunnel of the bacterial ribosome.

Therefore, macrolides are often referred to as “tunnel plugs”. Macrolide antibiotics are known to have antiviral effects.

Macrolide antibiotics can be taken orally or given as an intravenous infusion. They are contraindicated in people who have had an allergic reaction to them.

The use of macrolides during pregnancy needs close monitoring as it slightly elevates the risk of cerebral palsy (a disorder that affects the ability to move and maintain balance and posture) and epilepsy in children.

Macrolides are used for the following:

• Mycoplasma pneumonia
• Rhinosinusitis (inflammation of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses)
• Pertussis (highly contagious respiratory tract infection)
• Diphtheria (inflammation of the mucous membranes of the throat)
• Respiratory infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis
• Bronchiectasis (a condition where the bronchial tubes of lungs are permanently damaged)
• Cystic fibrosis (a disorder that produces abnormally thick mucus leading to blockage of bronchi in the lungs)
• Pharyngitis (inflammation of the back of the throat, often referred to as sore throat)
• Tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils)
• Acute exacerbation of COPD (chronic inflammatory lung disease)
• Genital ulcer disease
• COVID-19

Common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Anorexia

Taking macrolide antibiotics with food may help decrease gastrointestinal disturbances.

Other rare side effects include:

• Cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythm especially in people at risk of cardiac events or who have a cardiac history)
• Abnormal liver function
• Deafness
• Tinnitus

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Names of Macrolide drugs include:

• Azithromycin
• Clarithromycin
• Difficid
• E.E.S
• Ery-Tab
• EryPed
• Erythrocin lactobionate
• Erythrocin stearate
• Erythromycin base
• Erythromycin ethylsuccinate
• Erythromycin lactobionate
• Erythromycin stearate
• Fidaxomicin
• PCE dispertab
• Zithromax