Besides QT prolongation, macrolide antibiotics can cause which additional toxicity?

Besides QT prolongation, macrolide antibiotics can cause which additional toxicity?

• A. Ototoxicity
• B. Nephrotoxicity
• C. Hepatotoxicity
• D. Pulmonary fibrosis

Answer: (C)

Macrolide antibiotics can affect the liver. In addition to QT interval prolongation, they can cause hepatotoxicity, ranging from mild enzyme elevations to cholestatic hepatitis and, rarely, more serious liver injury. Erythromycin has a historic association with cholestatic hepatitis, and other macrolides can also cause transient liver test abnormalities. This potential toxicity means clinicians monitor liver function, especially in patients with preexisting liver disease or when other hepatotoxic drugs are used. The other options—ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity, or pulmonary fibrosis—are not typical adverse effects of macrolides.

Macrolide antibiotics can affect the liver. In addition to QT interval prolongation, they can cause hepatotoxicity, ranging from mild enzyme elevations to cholestatic hepatitis and, rarely, more serious liver injury. Erythromycin has a historic association with cholestatic hepatitis, and other macrolides can also cause transient liver test abnormalities. This potential toxicity means clinicians monitor liver function, especially in patients with preexisting liver disease or when other hepatotoxic drugs are used. The other options—ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity, or pulmonary fibrosis—are not typical adverse effects of macrolides.