Master Macrolides with Picmonic for Nursing RN

This class of medication works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, as it binds to ribosomal subunits within their cells. These medications don’t directly kill bacteria, but inhibit their growth, making macrolides bacteriostatic. Important to note that at higher doses and depending on the target organism, macrolides may be bactericidal.

Macrolides are useful in patients with penicillin allergies, as these drugs can serve as a replacement when treating streptococcal infections in patients. These drugs have a slightly wider spectrum of coverage than penicillin.

These can be used to treat respiratory tract infections, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and haemophilus influenza.

This drug class is indicated for treating atypical pneumonias, such as Legionnaire’s disease. They can also be used for Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydial pneumonia infections.

It should be noted that these drugs can cause dysrhythmias from QT segment prolongation. Thus, patients with pre-existing QT elongation syndromes should avoid this drug, as it can lead to torsades de pointes (fatal ventricular dysrhythmia), and eventually sudden death.

Macrolide use, especially clarithromycin, has been associated with C. difficile overgrowth. This is a normal flora of the gut, which can thrive when other bacteria are affected by antibiotic use. Patients with C. difficile overgrowth can have severe diarrhea and complications from developing pseudomembranous colitis.

Macrolides are absorbed in the intestines, sent to the liver, and again excreted into the duodenum from the liver. This can lead to a buildup of the drug, leading to nausea and vomiting. Furthermore, patients can develop GI motility issues, diarrhea, and epigastric pain. Taking this medication with meals helps alleviate these side effects.

For severe or systemic infections where macrolides are indicated for IV infusion, it is important to prevent the common problem of thrombophlebitis by diluting the medication and administering it slowly.