What are macrolides?

What are Macrolides? Macrolides are a category of antibiotics, which are medications that are used to treat bacterial infections. All antibiotics are classified into groups based on their mechanism of action, or how they work to attack the bacteria and kill the infection.

How do macrolide antibiotics work?

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.

What are the side effects of macrolide?

In general, all macrolide antibiotics may cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, but severe side effects may include anaphylaxis (throat swelling). Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is for your information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Do macrolides work against Gram positive or negative bacteria?

Later macrolides, such as clarithromycin and azithromycin, have more activity against Gram-negative organisms. However, bacterial resistance to macrolides is relatively common, often caused by mutations within the ribosome that prevent the macrolide from binding.