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Macrolide antibiotics in paediatric infectious diseases
1College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA.
Drugs
|April 1, 1996
Summary
Erythromycin and newer macrolides like clarithromycin and azithromycin are vital for pediatric infections. Newer macrolides offer improved efficacy and tolerability for resistant strains and erythromycin-intolerant patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Macrolide antibiotics, including erythromycin, have seen renewed use due to emerging pathogens.
- Erythromycin is a key pediatric therapeutic for various infections and GI motility disorders.
- Drawbacks of erythromycin include narrow spectrum, poor pharmacokinetics, and GI intolerance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of erythromycin and newer macrolides in pediatric patient care.
- To highlight the advantages of clarithromycin and azithromycin for specific pediatric infections and intolerances.
- To compare macrolides with alternative antibiotic classes in pediatric treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of macrolide antibiotic efficacy and tolerability in pediatric populations.
- Analysis of antimicrobial spectrum, pharmacokinetic properties, and clinical applications.
- Comparative assessment of erythromycin, newer macrolides, and alternative antibiotics.
Main Results:
- Erythromycin is effective for numerous pediatric infections but has limitations.
- Newer macrolides (clarithromycin, azithromycin) address erythromycin resistance and intolerance.
- These agents offer alternatives to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and cephalosporins.
Conclusions:
- Macrolides remain crucial in pediatric infectious disease management.
- Newer macrolides provide valuable options for challenging pediatric infections.
- Selection depends on availability, cost, efficacy, and tolerability profiles.