Macrolides
- 50S protein-synthesis inhibitors
- Atypical respiratory pathogens are a niche
- Azithromycin has few CYP interactions
- Clarithro/erythro strongly inhibit CYP3A
- GI effects + QT prolongation are common issues
- Resistance limits routine empiric use
- Azithro also has selected anti-inflammatory uses
Class at a glance
- 50S protein-synthesis inhibitors
Pharmacology
- Azithromycin has few CYP interactions
- Clarithro/erythro strongly inhibit CYP3A
Safety / monitoring
- Atypical respiratory pathogens are a niche
- GI effects + QT prolongation are common issues
Clinical role
- Resistance limits routine empiric use
- Azithro also has selected anti-inflammatory uses
Self-check
- Which macrolide has relatively few CYP interactions?
Azithromycin. - Which macrolides strongly inhibit CYP3A?
Clarithromycin and erythromycin.
Drugs in this class (3)
Macrolides prescription history
Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, Antibacterials (systemic) (1938–2026). Macrolides highlighted from 1952.
All drug classes · Open Macrolides in the interactive console ↗