CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC AGENT: MACROLIDES Macrolides are chemotherapy drugs. Macrolides are antibiotics consisting of a macrocyclic lactone ring (Aparicio, Fouces, Mendes, Olivera & Martin, 2000). They are antibacterial drugs that act by inhibiting protein synthesis. Erythromycin, roxithromycin, clarithromycin, and azithromycin are all examples of macrolide antibacterial drugs (Bullock & Manias, 2011). They are natural agents derived from products inhibited by Streptomyces molds (Aparicio, Fouces, Mendes, Olivera & Martin, 2000). Macrolide agents are time dependent, so it is important that they are above the minimum effective concentration of at least 60% to produce an effect. The preparations are for oral, parental, intravenous use and are available both solid and liquid (Bullock & Manias, 2011).IndicationMacrolides are used to treat minor infections of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract, skin, sinuses, skin and tissues soft, sexually transmitted diseases and impetigo (Kee, Hayes & McCuiston, 2012). Dosage Depending on the preparations, there are different dosages. For extended-release tablets, it is taken once a day. For example, the dosage of erythromycin IV is indicated as follows: For adults, children and the elderly: 15 to 20 mg per day in 4 divided doses (intravenous use), while for clarithromycin it is administered orally as follows, from 250 to 500 mg every 12 hours, for 7 -14 days (Kee, Hayes & McCuiston, 2012). Spectrum The spectrum of activity of macrolides is very similar to that of penicillin G. The new macrolide agents are more effective against gram-negative bacteria and less effective against gram-positive bacteria (Bullock & Manias, 2011). Additionally, newer macrolides have less chance of hepatotoxicity… half of the article… and healthcare providers may also cause non-adherence to drug treatment and even providing insufficient information on how to self-medicate ( Bullock & Manias, 2011 ). How can they be reduced? Patient home visits and appropriate medication education could be organized for clients that would target social circumstances and provide patients with concise information about administered medications. To address the biological effects of aging, the healthcare provider should spend more time explaining medication labels and could use mediation aids such as color-coded charts, medication diaries, and automated voice prompts that remind patients to take medications. Fewer medications should be administered, there should be better communication between healthcare providers and patients, and there should be a holistic assessment of patients to address issues related to the healthcare team (Banik, 2014).