Which infections are Macrolides frequently prescribed to treat?

Macrolides, a class of antibiotics, are frequently prescribed for respiratory tract infections due to their effectiveness against common pathogens involved in these conditions. They are particularly useful in treating pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinusitis, often caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. The action of macrolides involves inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, which helps eliminate the infectious organisms causing respiratory illness.

In contrast, while macrolides may have some secondary uses, they are not typically the first-line choice for skin infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), or viral infections. For skin infections, antibiotics such as penicillins or cephalosporins are more commonly utilized, while UTIs often require different classes of antibiotics that specifically target urinary pathogens. Macrolides do not have any effect on viral infections, as they are designed to combat bacterial infections. Thus, the selection of respiratory tract infections reflects the specific and narrow scope of macrolides' effectiveness in treating bacterial pathogens present in these types of illnesses.