Penicillins and macrolides in the treatment of community-acquired respiratory tract infections.

The use of penicillins and macrolides in the management of community-acquired respiratory tract infections is evaluated in relation to such factors as antimicrobial activity, stability, pharmacokinetics and adverse reactions. Attention is directed to the side effects of drugs, e.g. to the clear advantages of 16 (e.g. spiramycin) vs. 14 (e.g. erythromycin)-membered ring macrolides, and examples are drawn to illustrate the tactics of antimicrobial therapy in the management of pneumonias.