All about Azithromycin
Mechanism of azithromycin
Azithromycin is a semi-artificial macrolide antibiotic chemically correlated to erythromycin and clarithromycin (Biaxin). It is efficient in opposition to a extensive range of bacteria this sort of as Hemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, mycobacterium avium, and many other individuals. Azithromycin, like all macrolide antibiotics, helps prevent bacteria from growing by interfering with their capacity to make proteins. Due to the differences in the way proteins are built in bacteria and individuals, the macrolide antibiotics do not interfere with production of proteins in individuals. It is an unusual antibiotic in that it stays in the human body for really a even though (has a lengthy 50 percent-daily life), letting for after a day dosing and for shorter treatment programs for most infections. The FDA authorized azithromycin in November 1991.
Tablets: 250, 500, and 600 mg. Suspension: 100 mg/ teaspoon, 200 mg/teaspoon, 167 mg/teaspoon or 1 g/packet. Powder for Injection: 500 mg.
Before using azithromycin
Azithromycin is powerful from susceptible bacteria causing otitis media (infection of the middle ear), tonsillitis, laryngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and sinusitis. It also is helpful towards several sexually transmitted infectious illnesses these as nongonococcal urethritis and cervicitis.
Azithromycin (except Zmax) can be taken with or without having meals, but meals reduces tummy upset. Zmax need to be taken on an empty tummy one hour ahead of or two several hours following a meal due to the fact meals lowers its absorption. The grownup azithromycin dose is five hundred-2000 mg in a number of or single doses. For most infections, azithromycin is taken after everyday for a relatively short training course of therapy (usually 5 days). The first dose is frequently a "ambigu dose," 2 times as considerably as the remainder of the doses provided. For acute bacterial sinusitis, azithromycin way be taken once everyday for a few days. Zmax commonly is provided as a simple two gm dose.
Medicines interactions of azithromycin
Azithromycin (other than Zmax) need to not be taken at the exact same time as aluminum- or magnesium- primarily based antacids, this sort of as Mylanta or Maalox due to the fact antacids will bind the azithromycin and avert it from getting absorbed from the intestine.
Pregnancy and nursing mothers
There are no enough scientific tests of azithromycin in pregnant women. Azithromycin need to only be utilised through pregnancy if it is evidently important.
It is not identified if azithromycin is secreted in breast milk.
Side effects of azithromycin
Azithromycin is typically very well tolerated. The most typical aspect outcomes are diarrhea or loose stools, nausea, stomach discomfort, and vomiting which may possibly occur in fewer than one particular in 20 folks who get azithromycin. Exceptional aspect consequences consist of irregular liver exams, allergic reactions, and nervousness.