Macrolides

Question 1

Macrolides examples

Answer 1

Azithromycin
Erythromycin
Clarithromycin

Question 2

Macrolides MOA

Answer 2

Macrolides inhibit bacterial
protein synthesis and are
considered bacteriostatic
(stop bacterial growth), this
aids and allows the immune
system to kill and remove
the bacteria from the body.

Question 3

Macrolides Indication

Answer 3

Respiratory infections
Severe pneumonia
H.pYLORI
Skin and soft tissues infections

Question 4

Macrolides spectrum of activity

Answer 4

🟣 Gram-positive bacteria (mainly cocci):
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Streptococcus pyogenes
Staphylococcus aureus (non-MRSA; increasing resistance noted)
Listeria monocytogenes
🔵 Gram-negative bacteria:
Haemophilus influenzae (azithromycin/clarithromycin > erythromycin)
Moraxella catarrhalis
Neisseria gonorrhoeae (some strains)
Bordetella pertussis
🌫️ Atypical organisms:
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Chlamydia trachomatis / pneumoniae
Legionella pneumophila

Question 5

SE of macrolides

Answer 5

N+V
Tinnitus
QT prolongation

Serious: Cholestatic hepatitis (only really erythromycin)