The Toxicity of Macrolides Drug
Abstract
Toxic side effects from macrolide antibiotics include altered heart rhythm, liver damage, and upset stomach.
Overview of Macrolide Toxicity
- Heart risks: Medications that lengthen QT intervals, such as azithromycin, erythromycin, and clarithromycin, may result in harmful arrhythmias such torsades de pointes.
- Liver damage: Oral macrolides, especially erythromycin estolate, can result in acute cholestatic hepatitis or moderate enzyme increases.
- Problems with the stomach and intestines: Direct stimulation of gut motility often results in diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
- Effects on the nervous system: Rare cases of neurotoxicity (such as visual hallucinations) and ototoxicity (hearing abnormalities) have been documented, particularly in kidney disease patients.
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