When educating patients about macrolides, what is an important instruction?

The important instruction when educating patients about macrolides relates to the potential for photosensitivity associated with these medications. Macrolides, such as erythromycin and azithromycin, can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn or skin reactions. It's crucial for patients to be aware of this side effect and to take steps to protect their skin from excessive sun exposure, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, or avoiding direct sunlight during peak hours.

Taking the medication with food is not generally a universal requirement for all macrolides, as some can be taken with or without food depending on the specific drug and its formulation. Skipping doses is not advisable with any antibiotic treatment, as this can lead to decreased effectiveness and potential resistance. Increasing dairy intake is typically not recommended since calcium in dairy products can interfere with the absorption of certain antibiotics, though this is primarily a concern with tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones rather than macrolides.