Macrolides

Question 1

Name some macrolides.

Answer 1

erthromycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin

Question 2

When are macrolides usually given?

Answer 2

when a pt is penicillin allergic

Question 3

What drug is given for chlamydia? When can it be supplied?

Answer 3

Azithromycin - sold OTC if certain conditions are met:

• if a person is over 16 years old
• pt has had the test done and if it has been confirmed
• can also give Azithro for the potential sexual partners that they’ve had in case they’ve caught chlamydia from them

Question 4

What’s the dose given of azithro and why is it given in this specific way?

Answer 4

maximum of 1g as a single dose

One dose is sufficient for them because of its long half life.

Question 5

How often is clarithromycin given for?

Answer 5

Twice a day (12 hours apart)

Question 6

What are the main S/E of macrolides?

Answer 6

GI s/e (Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea), rash, hepatotoxicity

Question 7

What is the main interaction with macrolides? What is the effect caused? what should the pt do?

Answer 7

statins - increased risk of myopathy

Stop taking statins whilst on clarithromycin

Question 8

What’s the main s/e of erythromycin?

Answer 8

Severe nausea

Question 9

Patient B has got nausea and is taking erythromycin, what would be the best course of action for them?

Answer 9

its safe for the pt to keep taking erythromycin even tho the patient is getting severe nausea. Just keep reassuring pt its okay