bactericidal, binds to 23S rRNA on the 50S subunit, activity enhanced at high pH
active against most Gram +ves, Mycoplasma, Legionella, Chlamydia, Helicobacter
uses for the usual macrolides (eg. erythromycin, roxithromycin):
atypical pneumonia, corynebacterial infections,
chlamydial infections esp. where tetracyclines C/I
Streptococcal infections where HS to penicillins
MAIS in AIDS pts
eg. erythromycin, roxithromycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin