Macrolide brand and generic names
Macrolide pairs
| Brand name | Generic name | Class or type | Route / form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zithromax | azithromycin | Macrolides | Oral |
| Biaxin | clarithromycin | Macrolides | Oral; brand discontinued; generic available |
| E-Mycin | erythromycin | Macrolides | Oral; brand discontinued; generic available |
Biaxin and E-Mycin are discontinued US brands; generic clarithromycin and erythromycin remain available.
Understanding macrolides
Azithromycin has a long tissue half-life; erythromycin is an older macrolide with more GI effects. Clarithromycin is a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor—pharmacology is separate from name drills.
Naming patterns and memory tips
-mycin appears in macrolides but also in clindamycin (lincosamide) and aminoglycosides—always confirm the class.
Commonly confused macrolide names
Azithromycin and erythromycin
Both are macrolides; Zithromax–azithromycin and E-Mycin–erythromycin need separate brand anchors.
Azithromycin and aztreonam
Aztreonam is a monobactam, not a macrolide.