Which drug class is typically used to treat respiratory infections and chlamydia, and can cause GI distress as a side effect?

Macrolides are a class of antibiotics commonly used to treat respiratory infections as well as infections caused by Chlamydia, such as pelvic inflammatory disease and urethritis. This class includes well-known drugs like azithromycin and clarithromycin. One notable side effect associated with macrolides is gastrointestinal distress, which can manifest as symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

The connection between macrolides and respiratory infections comes from their effectiveness against typical pathogens involved in such infections, including Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. Additionally, their ability to reach high concentrations in respiratory tissues makes them particularly useful in treating pneumonia and bronchitis.

Understanding the reasons behind the side effects helps healthcare providers manage patient care effectively. While tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones also have their own uses in treating various infections, they are not primarily associated with both respiratory infections and chlamydia in the same way as macrolides. Antivirals would not be a suitable option since they specifically target viral infections rather than bacterial ones like those caused by Chlamydia.