Macrolides

Question 1

what are examples of macrolides

Answer 1

Erythromycin was the first macrolide used clinically. Newer examples include clarithromycin and azithromycin.

Question 2

what are the adverse reactions of macrolides

Answer 2

• prolongation of the QT interval
• GI side effects
• cholestatic jaundice
• P450 inhibitor

Question 3

what are the adverse effects commonly seen with azithromycin

Answer 3

hearing loss and tinnitus

Question 4

what are the common interactions with macrolides

Answer 4

statins should be stopped whilst taking a course of macrolides. Macrolides inhibit the cytochrome P450 isoenzyme CYP3A4 that metabolises statins. Taking macrolides concurrently with statins significantly increases the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.

Question 5

what may metformin do

Answer 5

cause lactate acidosis