Macrolides Health Dictionary

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Macrolides: From 1 Different Sources

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.
Health Source: Medical Dictionary
Author: Health Dictionary

Antibacterial Drugs

A group of drugs, which include ANTIBIOTICS, used to treat infections caused by BACTERIA. Drugs include CEPHALOSPORINS and cephamycins, TETRACYCLINES, AMINOGLYCOSIDES, MACROLIDES, and antituberculous compounds.... antibacterial drugs

Chemotherapy

The prevention or treatment of disease by chemical substances. The term is generally used in two senses: the use of antibacterial and other drugs to treat infections; and the administration of ANTIMETABOLITES and other drugs to treat cancer. The discovery by Paul Ehrlich in 1910 of the action of Salvarsan in treating syphilis led to the introduction of sulphonamides in 1935, followed by PENICILLIN during World War II, which revolutionised the treatment of common infections. Many ANTIBACTERIAL DRUGS have been developed since then: these include CEPHALOSPORINS, cephamycins, TETRACYCLINES, AMINOGLYCOSIDES, MACROLIDES and CLINDAMYCIN as well as antituberculous drugs such as STREPTOMYCIN and METRONIDAZOLE. Unfortunately, overuse of chemotherapeutic drugs in medicine and in animal husbandry has stimulated widespread resistance among previously susceptible pathogenic microorganisms. Chemotherapy also plays an important role in treating tropical diseases, especially MALARIA, SLEEPING SICKNESS and LEPROSY.

Recently chemotherapy has become increasingly e?ective in the treatment of cancer. Numerous drugs, generally CYTOTOXIC, are available; great care is required in their selection and to minimise side-effects. Certain tumours are highly sensitive to chemotherapy

– especially testicular tumours, LEUKAEMIA, LYMPHOMA and various tumours occurring in childhood (e.g. Wilm’s tumour – see NEPHROBLASTOMA) – and may even be cured.... chemotherapy

Erythromycin

One of the MACROLIDES, it has an antibacterial spectrum similar, but not identical, to that of penicillin. The drug is a valuable alternative for patients who are allergic to penicillin. Erythromycin is used for respiratory infections, including spread within a family of WHOOPINGCOUGH, and also CHLAMYDIA, LEGIONNAIRE’S DISEASE, SYPHILIS and enteritis caused by CAMPYLOBACTER. It is also used with neomycin when preparing for bowel surgery. Though often active against penicillin-resistant staphylococci, these bacteria are now sometimes resistant to erythromycin. The drug may be given orally, intravenously or topically (for acne).... erythromycin

Immunosuppression

The term given to suppression of harmful immune responses (see IMMUNITY), the most obvious application being the prevention of organ rejection by people who receive kidney, heart or bone-marrow transplants (see TRANSPLANTATION). Immunosuppression is also used in certain diseases in a way that is non-speci?c – that is, it inhibits the entire immune system, not just harmful reactions. CORTICOSTEROIDS are the commonest dugs used in this way, as are METHOTREXATE and AZATHIOPRINE. Tacrolimus, a macrolide (see MACROLIDES) IMMUNOSUPPRESSANT, is used not only for engrafted patients but also in treating eczema (see DERMATITIS).

There has been a rapid introduction in recent years of monoclonal antibodies which prevent T-cells from proliferating. They can be recognised by the su?x ‘mab’ (standing for monoclonal antibody) and include rituximab and alemtuzumab. In?iximab, used in CROHN’S DISEASE and RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, inhibits tumour necrosis factor alpha.... immunosuppression

Spiramycin

One of the MACROLIDES isolated from Streptomyces ambofaciens which is used under strict conditions for the treatment of TOXOPLASMOSIS.... spiramycin

Antibiotic Drugs

A group of drugs used to treat infections caused by bacteria and to prevent bacterial infection in cases of immune system impairment.

Most of the commonly used antibiotic drugs belong to one of the following classes: penicillins, quinolones, aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, macrolides, and tetracyclines. Some antibiotics are effective against only certain types of bacteria; others, which are known as broad-spectrum antibiotics, are effective against a wide range.

Some bacteria develop resistance to a previously effective antibiotic drug. This is most likely to occur during long-term treatment. Some alternative antibiotics are available to treat bacteria that have become resistant to the more commonly prescribed drugs.

Most antibiotic drugs can cause nausea, diarrhoea, or a rash. Antibiotics may disturb the normal balance between certain types of bacteria and fungi in the body, leading to proliferation of the fungi that cause candidiasis (thrush). Some people experience a severe allergic reaction to the drugs, resulting in facial swelling, itching, or breathing difficulty.... antibiotic drugs

Macrolide Drugs

A class of antibiotic drugs used to treat a wide range of infections including those of the ear, nose, throat, respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, and skin.

Common macrolides include azithromycin and erythromycin.... macrolide drugs


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