Azithromycin is one of the world's best known and most widely sold
antibiotics. It is an azalide antibiotic, a subclass of the macrolides. It
retains the spectrum of activity of erythromycin against Gram-positive and
Gram-negative pathogens and has increased activity against many Gram -
negative and atypical microorganisms.
Brand Names of Azithromycin
Zithromax, Zmax®; Sumamed®;
Aztrin®
Chemical Description
9-deoxy-9a-aza-9a-methyl-9a- homoerythromycin
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Uses of Azithromycin
- The antibiotic is commonly used for treating certain bacterial
infections such as infections of lungs, skin, ears, throat, pneumonia,
sinusitis, laryngitis etc.
- It is used to treat gastrointestinal infections such as traveler's
diarrhea.
- Azithromycin drug is used to treat respiratory tract infections such
as pneumonia, cellulitis.
- It is also used to treat some sexually transmitted illnesses post
sexual assault.
- Azithromycin has been shown to be effective against malaria.
Working of Azithromycin
The drug acts by interfering with microbial
protein synthesis by binding to the 50 S ribosomal sub unit. The antibiotic
has been approved for treating chlamydia and bacterial infections of the
skin and respiratory tract. The drug is commonly administered in tablet or
oral suspension form. It is also available for intravenous injection. The
Tablets are available in 250mg and 500mg doses; Oral suspension comes in
strength of 100mg/teaspoon and 200mg/teaspoon
Dosage
Upper and lower respiratory tract and skin and soft tissue
infections: 500mg once daily for 3 days or 500 mg once on day 1, followed by
250 mg once daily for the next 4 days. Urogenital infection (Chlamydial) :
1g as a single dose. The drug should be taken 1 hour before or at least 2
hours after a meal. It used with caution by pregnant and lactating women.
Contra- Indications
Hypersensitivity to azithromycin or other
macrolides
Side Effects of Azithromycin
The drug has certain side effects,
that can affect individuals in different ways. The following are some of the
side effects, that are often associated with the drug:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Dyspepsia
- Flatulence Dizziness
- Vertigo
- Headache
Disclaimer: The above information is for general understanding
of the visitor. Please consult a registered medical practitioner before
taking the aforesaid medicine.