infections
Macrolides
Introduction
Macrolides are a class of Overview of Antibiotics that are often used to treat infections in people who are allergic to penicillins. Macrolides include the following: Azithromycin Clarithromycin Erythromycin Fidaxomicin Macrolides work by preventing bacteria from producing proteins they need to grow and multiply. is given only by mouth (orally) and is minimally Drug Absorption into the bloodstream when taken orally. It is used to treat Macrolides interact with many other drugs (called a Drug-Drug Interactions ). Often, the interaction increases the effects, including the side effects, of the other drugs. When given with certain other drugs, macrolides can increase the risk of sudden cardiac death in people who have Drug Drug Common Uses Common Uses Some Potential Side Effects Some Potential Side Effects Azithromycin Clarithromycin Erythromycin Fidaxomicin Streptococcal Infections None Syphilis None Respiratory infections Bacterial causes of pneumonia None Lyme Disease None Chlamydia and Other Nongonococcal Infections of the reproductive organs and urinary tract Used only for Clostridioides (formerly Clostridium) difficile–Induced Colitis None Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (especially at higher doses) Jaundice* Overview of Abnormal Heart Rhythms (arrhythmias)* * These side effects are not reported withfidaxomicin. (See also Overview of Antibiotics .) 