Macrolides in the treatment of community-acquired infections of lower respiratory tract

Infections of the lower respiratory tract are a serious challenge for modern healthcare. Macrolides occupy a special place in the list of antibiotics recommended for the treatment of such conditions, which is not only due to their high safety and efficiency associated with their potent activity against major pathogens; macrolides are also characterized by unique non-antibiotic properties. The review highlights specific use of macrolides today for pneumonia and infectious exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/chronic bronchitis in view of the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of the drugs.