General properties of Macrolides 1. Chemistry: contain a macrocyclic lactone ring (usually containing 14 to 16 atoms)to which deoxy sugars are attached 2.Antimicrobial activity bactericidal or bacteriostatic, depending on the concentration, high activity in alkaline conditionGeneral properties of Macrolides 1.Chemistry: contain a macrocyclic lactone ring (usually containing 14 to 16 atoms) to which deoxy sugars are attached. 2.Antimicrobial activity: bactericidal or bacteriostatic, depending on the concentration, high activity in alkaline condition