Pediatria pre prax 3/2009

Macrolide antibiotics in paediatric practice

Natural macrolide antibiotics are gradually replaced by semisynthetic preparations with superior properties. While having comparable antimicrobial action, the latter require lower single doses and longer dosage intervals, are better tolerated by the paediatric population, and induce adverse effects less frequently. Inappropriate selection of antibiotics, incorrect dosage, and improper indications, however, increase the risk of increasing resistance in common bacterial pathogens. Macrolides are excellent drugs for ambulatory practice. For them to remain effective, treatment needs to be initiated for properly indicated infections, correct dosage needs to be chosen, and dosage intervals as well as duration of treatment determined.

Keywords: natural macrolides, semisynthetic macrolides, azalides, ketolides.