CHEMOTHRAPEUTIC AGENT: MACROLIDESMacrolides are chemotherapeutic drugs. Macrolides are antibiotics consisting of a macrocyclic lactone ring (Aparicio, Fouces, Mendes, Olivera & Martin, 2000). These are antibacterial drugs that work 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 intended for oral, parental and intravenous use and are available in solid and liquid form (Bullock & Manias, 2011). Indication Macrolides are used to treat minor infections of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract, skin, sinuses, skin and soft tissues, 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 IV erythromycin is indicated as follows: For adults, children and the elderly: 15 to 20 mg per day divided into 4 doses (intravenous), while for clarithromycin it is administered orally as follows, 250 to 500 mg every 12 hours, for 7 to 14 days (Kee, Hayes & McCuiston, 2012).SpectrumThe spectrum of activity of macrolides is very similar to that of penicillin G. Newer macrolide agents are more effective against Gram-negative bacteria and less effective against Gram-negative bacteria. - positive bacteria (Bullock & Manias, 2011). In addition, newer macrolides pose less risk of hepatotoxin... middle of article...... and healthcare professionals can also cause non-compliance with drug treatment and also supply of insufficient information on how to self-medicate (Bullock & Manias, 2011). How can these problems be reduced? Organized patient home visits and appropriate client drug education could be arranged, which would target social circumstances and provide patients with succinct information about the medications administered. To address the biological effects of aging, the healthcare professional should spend more time explaining medication labels and could use mediation tools such as color-coded charts, medication logs, and automated voice prompts reminding patients to take their medications. Fewer medications should be administered, there should be better communication between healthcare professionals and patients and there should be a comprehensive assessment of patients to resolve issues related to the healthcare team (Banik, 2014).