Macrolides and ketolides: azithromycin, clarithromycin, telithromycin.
The advanced macrolides, azithromycin and clarithromycin, and the ketolide telithromycin are structural analogues of erythromycin. They have several distinct advantages when compared with erythromycin including enhanced spectrum of activity, more favorable pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, once daily administration, and improved tolerability. This article reviews the pharmacokinetics, antimicrobial activity, clinical use, and adverse effects of these antimicrobial agents.
Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA, USA. zuckermj@einstein.edu
Jerry M
JM
Zuckerman
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017963:Azithromycin / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D017291:Clarithromycin / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D048628:Ketolides / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018942:Macrolides / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D048628:Ketolides; D018942:Macrolides; D017963:Azithromycin; D017291:Clarithromycin; C106791:telithromycin