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Merck Manual
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Macrolides

Macrolides

Drug

Common Uses

Some Side Effects

Azithromycin

Clarithromycin

Erythromycin

Fidaxomicin

Streptococcal infections

Syphilis

Respiratory infections

Mycoplasmal infections

Lyme disease

For azithromycin: Chlamydial infections of the reproductive organs and urinary tract

For fidaxomicin: Used only for Clostridioides difficile

Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (especially at higher doses)

Jaundice*

Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)*

* These side effects are not reported with fidaxomicin.

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