Macrolides

Macrolides

Macrolides (pronunciation: /məˈkrɒlaɪdz/) are a class of antibiotic drugs that have a macrocyclic lactone ring as the central structure. The term "macrolide" is derived from the Greek words "makros" meaning large and "eidos" meaning form or shape, referring to the large lactone ring structure of these compounds.

History

Macrolides were first discovered in the 1950s, with the isolation of erythromycin from the bacterium Saccharopolyspora erythraea. Since then, many other macrolides have been discovered and synthesized, including clarithromycin, azithromycin, and roxithromycin.

Mechanism of Action

Macrolides work by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria. They bind to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, preventing the translocation of peptides. This inhibits the growth of the bacteria and eventually leads to their death.

Uses

Macrolides are used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and sexually transmitted infections. They are particularly useful in treating infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria and certain types of Gram-negative bacteria.

Side Effects

Common side effects of macrolides include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, they can cause serious side effects such as hepatotoxicity, QT prolongation, and allergic reactions.

Related Terms

• Antibiotic
• Erythromycin
• Clarithromycin
• Azithromycin
• Roxithromycin
• Protein synthesis
• Ribosome
• Gram-positive bacteria
• Gram-negative bacteria
• Hepatotoxicity
• QT prolongation
• Allergic reactions

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Macrolides
• Wikipedia's article - Macrolides

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