Azithromycin

Description

Description

Information about the drug

Azithromycin is an antibiotic drug that effectively copes with many infectious diseases. It first appeared in 80s and until that time it is widely used for treatment bacterial illnesses, like tonsilitis, sinusitis, acne,  pneumonia, otitis media, urinary tract infections and other acute and chronic infections.

The range of this drug application is quite large, because Azithromycin is an excellent antibacterial agent that easily copes with different types of patogenes. Azithromycin inhibits the synthesis of bacterial protein and thus fights against microbial infections, especially the respiratory tract. In high concentrations it has a bactericidal effect. It acts on extra- and intracellular pathogens. Azithromycin creates high concentrations in lung tissues, body fluids, has a convenient regimen of administration (1 time per day, short course). Azithromycin is active against gram-positive and some anaerobic microorganisms, but inactive against gram-positive bacteria that are resistant to erythromycin.

This drug is resistant to gastric juice, so it can be used orally. This medicine is well absorbed on an empty stomach and maximum effect gains in 2-3 hours. Azithromycin has the property of rapidly dissolving in the gastrointestinal tract, releasing the active molecule, passing through the wall of the gastrointestinal tract, transporting the molecule to the blood and reaching high concentrations in the tissues.

Azithromycin has a long half-life, which allows it to be recommended for use in a short course. Thus, in a short time, the task of saturating the tissues with azithromycin is solved, and in the future, without re-taking AB, we can count on the continuation of its effect on pathogens in the focus of inflammation.

In addition to increased resistance to hydrochloric acid, azithromycin, in comparison with erythromycin, has improved pharmacokinetic properties and a wider spectrum of antimicrobial activity. In particular, azithromycin is more able than erythromycin to penetrate the cell membrane of gram-negative microorganisms and exhibit more pronounced activity.

Applying

Depending on the infection and the stage of the disease, the dosage may vary. The required dose is taken once a day for one hour or two hours after a meal. In the case of a single missed intake of one dose of medication – the missed dose should be taken as early as possible, the next – with an interval of 24 hours. Azithromycin must be taken at least an hour before or two hours after drugs that reduce the acidity of gastric juice (antacids).

Azithromycin used for the treatment of acne and other skin infections. Azithromycin dosage is 250-500 mg per day (depending on the stage of an disease). This course should last for 5-7 days, and before the second course you should make a pause for 7 days.

In the case of sinusitis and other respiratory tract infections, to relieve acute inflammation you should take 500 mg on the first day, and on all subsequent 250 mg each day. The course lasts 2-5 days. With tonsillitis, the dosage is also 500 mg on the first day and 250 each in the remaining 5 days, the course of 5 days is considered quite effective.

In many cases of infectious diseases, Azithromycin treatment lasts no more than five days, this is a powerful drug and the effect of its action is felt after the first day of use. However, courses shorter than three days are considered not effective.

In case of respiratory and skin infections, the therapeutic effect is achieved by prescribing an antibiotic in both a five- and three-day course. The ability of azithromycin to create high and stable concentrations in the tissues and secrets of the reproductive organs, as well as its high activity against the main causative agents of urogenital infections, makes it possible to prescribe the drug once to patients with this pathology.

Azithromycin Side effects

Disorders from the gastrointestinal tract (abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and / or diarrhea) are the most common side effects that occur when azithromycin is used. Usually this drug is well tolerated by most patients, but in the case of individual reaction or overdosing next effects may appear:

• Allergic reactions,
• Side effects from the cardiovascular system – prolongation of the QT interval, arterial hypotension,
• Hepatotoxicity – development of cholestatic hepatitis,
• Disorders of the central nervous system.

With caution, Azithromycin is used for moderate impairment of the kidneys, liver, arrhythmias, predisposition to arrhythmias, lengthening of the Q-T interval (on an ECG), while taking terfenadine, digoxin, warfarin.

Azithromycin is one of the safest antimicrobial agents and is well tolerated. With its use, hemato-, nephrotoxicity, the development of chondro- and arthropathies, photosensitization, and a number of undesirable drug reactions characteristic of other classes of antimicrobial agents, in particular anaphylactic reactions, severe toxic-allergic syndromes and antibiotic-associated diarrhea, are extremely rare.

Adverse events with the use of azithromycin, in the vast majority of cases, are functional changes on the part of various organs and systems, are reversible and stop after treatment.

Azithromycin is an effective drug, but you should consult with medical workers before using it to determine the correct dosage. Azithromycin uses can significantly simplify the treatment of infections, improve compliance and, thereby, increase the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy.

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Warning!

This drug is a medical product and requires following recommendations of its usage and storage. It should be stored in the cool dark place, avoiding direct sunlight. It’s also necessary to keep this drug out of children`s reach!

You MUST consult with your attending physician before you start using this drug. We also ask you to take into account that this drug may cause some side effects. Some of them can be life-threatening. If you notice any disturbing symptoms you should to contact with your physician. In some cases, it is necessary to stop taking the drug for a while. Also, you must inform your doctor if you taking AZITROMYCIN with other medicines. So physician can prescribe proper treatment and help you to avoid any unpleasant adverse effects.