Azithromycin

Azithromycin is an antibiotic class therapeutic medicine. Azithromycin was first developed in the 1980s. It is used to treat bacterial infections. The antibiotic belongs to the macrolide group of drugs. The medicine is also widely used in lung, skin, ear, and sexually transmitted diseases

Indications

Bacterial infections, bacterial endocarditis, typhoid fever, community-acquired pneumonia, uncomplicated gonorrhea, streptococcal pharyngitis/tonsillitis, COPD, acute bacterial sinusitis, acute otitis media, PID, non-gonococcal urethritis, chancroid, acute salmonellosis, cervicitis, babesiosis, chlamydial infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, traveler's diarrhea.

Adult & Child Dose

Adult: Oral-Skin and soft tissue infections, Respiratory tract infections.

Adult: As tab, cap, or immediate release suspension: 500mg daily for 3 days.

Alternatively, 500mg as a single dose on day 1 followed by 250mg daily on day 2.5.

Child: PO: q24h>6 months

Otitis: 10mg/kg/day for 1 day, then 5mg/kg for 4 days; or 10 mg/kg per day for 3 days; of 30 mg/kg once.

Tonsillitis: Pharyngitis: 12 mg

Consumption

It is usually: marketed as a 500 mg capsule or tablet. The daily dose for adult patients is 1 capsule or caplet of 500 mg. Usually: 3 days, 5 days, or 7 days of treatment is given depending on the condition of the disease.

Side effects

Common side effects include nausea, frequent bowel movements, stomach discomfort, weakness, ringing in the ears, dizziness, etc. No harm was found with use during pregnancy. Its safety while breastfeeding is not guaranteed, but it is probably safe.

Pregnancy

Available data from published literature and postmarking experience over several decades with azithromycin use in pregnant women have not identified drug-associated risks for major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes (see data); data do not suggest embryofetal risk (Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology Database [DART];https://tosnet.nim.nih.gov/newtoxnet/dart.html)

Interaction

Decreased rate of absorption w/ antacids containing aluminum and magnesium. Increased risk of ergot toxicity.

Potentially Fatal: Increased risk of cardiotoxicity w/ pimozide.

Health Awareness

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