Macrolides Flashcards
(12 cards)
What is Azithromycin commonly known as?
Zithromax
Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat various infections.
What is the generic name for Biaxin?
Clarithromycin
Clarithromycin is also a macrolide antibiotic, effective against certain bacterial infections.
What is Erythromycin classified as?
Generic, others
Erythromycin is another type of macrolide antibiotic, used for treating a range of infections.
What are macrolides?
A class of antibiotics used to treat various bacterial infections
Includes drugs like azithromycin, clarithromycin, and erythromycin
How do macrolides work?
By inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, primarily by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit
They interfere with the protein formation process
What are the two potential effects of macrolides on bacteria?
Bacteriostatic or bactericidal
Bacteriostatic inhibits growth, while bactericidal kills bacteria, depending on concentration and species
What are common clinical uses for macrolides?
Respiratory infections, skin and soft tissue infections, sexually transmitted infections, and H. pylori infections
Examples include pneumonia and sinusitis
What is a common problem associated with macrolides?
Bacterial resistance
Cross-resistance between different macrolides is also common
What are some side effects of macrolides?
Nausea, vomiting, and QT prolongation
QT prolongation can lead to abnormal heart rhythms
What is a key structural characteristic of macrolides?
A large, cyclic lactone ring
This structure is essential for their function
Fill in the blank: Common examples of macrolides include _______.
Azithromycin, clarithromycin, and erythromycin
True or False: Macrolides are often used as the first line of treatment for patients with penicillin allergies.
True
