A macrolide antibiotic drug used to treat infections of the skin, chest, throat, and ears.
Azithromycin is also used to treat genital infections due to chlamydia (see chlamydial infections).
n. an antibiotic used to treat respiratory, skin, soft-tissue, and other infections, including genital and eye infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. Possible side-effects include allergic reactions, nausea, and vomiting.
A group of ANTIBIOTICS. The original macrolide, ERYTHROMYCIN, was discovered in the early 1950s and used successfully as an alternative to PENICILLIN. The name ‘macrolide’ derives from the molecular structure of this group, three others of which are clarithromycin, azithromycin and spiramycin. Macrolides check PROTEIN synthesis in BACTERIA and the latest ones are, like erythromycin, active against several bacterial species including gram-positive COCCI and rods. In addition, they act against Haemophilus in?uenzae. Clarithromycin is potent against Helicobacter pylori; azithromycin is e?ective against infections caused by Legionella spp. (see LEGIONNAIRE’S DISEASE) and GONOCOCCI. Spiramycin is a restricted-use macrolide prescribed for pregnant patients with TOXOPLASMOSIS.... macrolides
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