Azithromycin
Molecule Description
Azithromycin is an antibiotic used to treat several bacterial infections.
Uses of Azithromycin
Azithromycin is useful in the treatment of infections caused by bacteria like respiratory infections, sinusitis, pharyngitis/ tonsillitis, pneumonia, skin infections, ear infections, sexually transmitted diseases, and traveler’s diarrhea....
Contraindications of Azithromycin
When should one not use Azithromycin
Azithromycin is not to be used in patients with an allergic reaction to Azithromycin, Erythromycin, or any other macrolide or Ketolide antibiotics. It is contraindicated in patients with a history of cholestatic jaundice....
Side effects of Azithromycin
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Dizziness
- Mild stomach upset
- Stomach ache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Sensation of pins and numbness
- Visual impairment
- Skin rash and itching
- Joint pain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Low blood pressure
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Allergic skin reactions
- Fatigue
Precautions and Warnings of Azithromycin
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Azithromycin during pregnancy?
A:
The safety of Azithromycin during pregnancy is yet to establish. Azithromycin is not recommendable in pregnancy. Ask your doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Azithromycin while breastfeeding?
A:
Azithromycin partially passes into human breast milk. If you are taking Azithromycin then stop breastfeeding your baby. It is advised to discard the milk during treatment and until two days after discontinuation of treatment. You can restart breastfeeding thereafter.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Azithromycin?
A:
You may drive, but be sure you are not experiencing dizziness before you start driving.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Azithromycin?
A:
No known interaction.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- You have liver or kidney issues
- You have heart problems
- Your blood levels of potassium or magnesium are too low
- Avoid use of migraine medicines like Ergotamine along with Azithromycin
- You have myasthenia gravis
- When and how to consume medicine - Food decreases absorption of Azithromycin. Hence, Azithromycin should be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after food
Mode of Action of Azithromycin
How Does It Work?
Azithromycin prevents the growth of bacteria by interfering with their protein synthesis. It binds to a specific part of the bacterial nucleus and inhibits the process required for bacterial growth. Thereby, bacteria are killed, or their growth is stalled depending on the organism and the medicine concentration....
Interactions of Azithromycin
Interactions with other medicines
- Antacids - Azithromycin should be taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after the antacid
- Azithromycin interacts with blood thinners like Enoxaprin, Fondparinux, Heparin, and Warfarin. It also interacts with medications used to prevent blood clots such as Thrombin, Bivalirudin, Dalteparin
- Terfenadine should not be taken at the same time as this may cause severe heart problems
- Zidovudine or Nelfinavir are used to treat HIV infections. Taking these together should be avoided
- Rifabutin - used to treat tuberculosis
- Quinidine - used to treat rhythm of heart problems
- Cyclosporin - used after an organ transplant. Your doctor will regularly check Cyclosporin levels in your blood and may change your dose
Interactions with food items
It interacts with grapefruit as both Azithromycin and grapefruit are broken down in the same way by the liver.
Dosage of Azithromycin
Overdose
Azithromycin overdose can cause diarrhea, dyspepsia, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting and if there is a case of an overdose, report to the nearest hospital immediately.
Missed a Dose
If you missed any dose, take is as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose, and take medicine at the next regular scheduled time. Do not take extra/ double medicine to compensate for the missed dosage....
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Azithromycin the same as Erythromycin?
A: No. Both are different antibiotics belonging to the same class. Azithromycin is the next generation antibiotic of the Erythromycin class.
Q: What should I discuss with my physician before taking Azithromycin?
A: You must discuss your ongoing medicines, and history of allergies if any, with the physician.
References
View All
Recent articles
Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here for detailed T&C.
Top-Tests we cover:
Top-Selling Healthcare Products:
Top-Selling Medicines:
Top-Searched Medicines:
Zifi|