MACROLIDES - INDICATIONS IN 1997

A growing class of antibiotics: Since the discovery of erythromycin, t he prototype macrolide, this class of antibiotics has grown considerab ly. Roxithromycin, a semi-synthetic erythromycin derivative, has an im proved absorbability, tolerability and stability profile. Wide indicat ions: Current indications for these new compounds for respiratory trac t infections are presented and discussed in terms of the most recent c onsensus conferences. New trends: All current indications (excepting t he respiratory tract) are discussed in light of current perspectives f or this family of antibiotics. Growing interest in new bacterial speci es such as Mycobacterium avium intracellulare, Helicobacter pylori as well as Chlamydia pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae contribute to n ew trends in antibiotics prescription.