Azithromycin

Uses	Bacterial Infections
Therapy	Antibiotic
Side Effects	Dizziness, Breathing Difficulty, Headache, Irregular Heart Beat

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Molecule Description

Azithromycin is an antibiotic medication used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including throat infections, ear infections, chest and lung infections (such as pneumonia and bronchitis), skin infections, and certain sexually transmitted diseases. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria, helping the body fight off the infection effectively. Azithromycin should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once daily, with or without food. To achieve the best results, it’s essential to complete the full course, even if you start feeling better, as stopping early may cause the infection to return or become resistant to treatment.

Uses

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 traveller’s diarrhoea.

Contraindications

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

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

Pregnancy

The safety of Azithromycin during pregnancy has yet to be established. Azithromycin is not recommended in pregnancy. Ask your doctor before taking this medicine.

Breast Feeding

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 for two days after discontinuation of treatment. You can restart breastfeeding thereafter.

Driving

You may drive, but be sure you are not experiencing dizziness before you get behind the wheel.

Alcohol

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 the use of migraine medicines like Ergotamine along with Azithromycin
You have myasthenia gravis
When and how to consume medicine - Food decreases the absorption of Azithromycin. Hence, Azithromycin should be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after food

Mode of Action

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 concentration of the medicine.

Interactions

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 problems of the heart
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

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 a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose, and take the medicine at the next regular scheduled time. Do not take extra/ double medicine to compensate for the missed dosage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

No. Both are different antibiotics belonging to the same class. Azithromycin is the next generation antibiotic of the Erythromycin class.

You must discuss your ongoing medicines, and history of allergies if any, with the physician.

Azithromycin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections like chest infections, throat and ear infections, sinusitis, skin infections, and some sexually transmitted infections.

You may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, or headache. These are usually mild and temporary.

Some medicines like antacids, warfarin, digoxin, or certain heart medicines may interact with Azithromycin. Always inform your doctor about all medicines you are taking.

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