Azithromycin

What is Azithromycin drug?

Azithromycin is an antibiotic that is effective in treating a variety of bacterial infections in children and adults.

It belongs to a class of drugs called macrolide antibiotics. Azithromycin does not treat any viral infections like flu.

Doctors prescribe this medicine to treat several respiratory system bacterial infections, ear infections, skin infections, and sexually transmitted infections.

A bacterial infection is a condition when bacteria in your body grow and cause infection.

This type of bacterial infection can target any part of your body and multiply rapidly.

You can find Azithromycin under common brand names including Zithromax, Tri-Pak, Zithromax, and Zithromax Z-Pak.

Azithromycin: Know it’s working mechanism

Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic and works by averting bacteria from making particular proteins inside their cells.

In this way, bacteria are not able to grow and spread in your body. Sometimes, bacteria don’t even survive.

Uses of Azithromycin

Azithromycin is effective in treating certain types of medical conditions including:

Adults

• Pneumonia
• Unexpected deterioration of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from a bacterial infection
• Strep throat
• Sinus infections
• Skin infections
• Genital ulcer disease
• Tonsil infections
• Urethra or cervix infections

Children

• Tonsil infections
• Ear infections
• Strep throat
• Pneumonia

Dosing information about Azithromycin

You must carefully read patient information leaflet once and take this medicine exactly in same way as directed by a doctor.

Azithromycin is available in a tablet, suspension and an extended-release suspension should be taken by mouth.

Patients need to take tablets and suspension with or without food once a day for almost 1-5 days.

Azithromycin tablet for prevention of disseminated MAC infection needs to be taken with or without food only once weekly.

While extended-release suspension is taken on an empty stomach usually as a one-time dose.

It is better to take it at same time every day so that you remember to take Azithromycin.

Do not take more or less of Azithromycin or more often than directed by your doctor.

Shake liquid Azithromycin well before every use so that medication is mixed evenly.

To measure correct amount of medication, use a dosing spoon, measuring cup, or oral syringe.

In case, you vomit within an hour after taking this medicine then call doctor right away.

If there is a need for another dose then your doctor will tell. Unless recommended by a doctor, do not take another dose.

Even if you start feeling better after a few days, continue taking Azithromycin until full prescription is complete.

Stopping Azithromycin too early or skipping doses, might not treat your infection completely and bacteria will become resistant to antibiotics.

Doctors suggest not to take antacids 2 hours before or after taking Azithromycin drug.

Missed dose

Take your missed dose of Azithromycin as soon as you remember.

But if you remember just a few hours before your next scheduled dose then skip missed dosage of this medicine.

Never try to catch up by taking two doses of Azithromycin at same time. This can lead to dangerous effects.

Overdose

If you end up taking too much Azithromycin then your body might have dangerous levels of this medicine.

This further affects your overall health and causes liver damage & irregular heart rhythm. 

In case, you overdose on Azithromycin then immediately call your doctor or visit nearest emergency room right away.

Special precautions and warnings for Azithromycin

Azithromycin is not recommended for patients, who are allergic to it or if:

Have ever suffered from jaundice or liver disorders by taking Azithromycin

Allergic to similar medications like erythromycin, clarithromycin, or telithromycin.

To make sure Azithromycin is safe for you, tell doctor about your medical history including:

• Kidney disorder
• Low levels of potassium in blood
• Liver disease
• Myasthenia gravis
• Long QT syndrome
• A heart rhythm disorder

Pregnant and breastfeeding women must consult their doctor once and then start treatment with Azithromycin.

Azithromycin can cause some live bacterial vaccines to not work well in your body.

Speak to your healthcare professional about taking Azithromycin drug before undergoing any vaccinations.

Side effects of Azithromycin drug

You have been prescribed this medication because doctor has judged that benefits of Azithromycin are greater than side effects.

Several patients using Azithromycin do not suffer from any kind of serious side effects.

Common side effects of Azithromycin drug include:

• Nausea
• Stomach upset
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

Serious side effects of Azithromycin are:

• Eye disorder
• Hearing changes
• Muscle weakness
• Serious stomach or abdominal pain
• Trouble speaking or swallowing
• Symptoms of liver disorders

A serious allergic reaction to this medicine is very rare. Speak to your doctor if you notice symptoms of severe allergic reactions.

Itching/swelling of face, throat, or tongue, fever that does not go away, trouble breathing, and serious dizziness are some allergic reactions.

Get emergency medical help, if any of your side effects persist or turn out to be worse with time.

Interactions

Intake of Azithromycin with certain medicines can increase your risk of experiencing side effects.

You must inform your doctor beforehand about all prescription, non-prescription pills and herbal supplements you take.

During your treatment with Azithromycin, strictly avoid taking Nelfinavir and Warfarin as they might interact and cause severe side effects.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Azithromycin safe for you?

Azithromycin is safe if it is used at prescribed doses for recommended duration under doctor’s supervision.

What If you don’t get better?

If you do not notice any improvement in symptoms after 3 days of taking Azithromycin then inform doctor.

In case, your symptoms get worse then let your doctor know quickly.

How long does Azithromycin take to work in body?

Generally, Azithromycin begins to work right after its consumption. It can take some days to kill harmful bacteria.

Is Azithromycin a strong antibiotic for you?

Azithromycin is an effective antibiotic that is given for treating several bacterial infections.

When compared to other antibiotics, Azithromycin has a longer half-life which means it will stay in body for a long time.

Due to this reason, doctors prescribe Azithromycin once a day and for a short period only.

How can I store Azithromycin?

Doctors suggest storing Azithromycin at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.