Azithromycin

Azithromycin is an antibiotic used to treat different types of infections caused by a variety of bacteria. It belongs to a group of Macrolide Antibiotics useful for treating numerous infections caused by bacteria like middle ear infections, traveler’s diarrhea.

It is prescribed for the treatment of mild to moderate upper and lower respiratory tract infections, infections of the skin and skin structure. The medication also helps against number of intestinal infections and sexually transmitted infections including gonorrhea and chlamydia.

You should not consume the tablet without consulting a doctor if you have:

• Allergy
• Jaundice
• Liver problems
• Myasthenia gravis
• Heart rhythm disorder
• History of long QT syndrome.

Few common side effects of this tablet include nausea, vomiting, stomach upset and diarrhoea. An allergic reaction can also occur in rare cases. The dosage will depend on your age, the severity of condition, medical history and how you react to the first dose.

It is also used for preventing or delaying the onset of infection with Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). Also, prescribed for prophylaxis of bacterial endocarditis in patients who are allergic to penicillin and undergoing surgical or dental procedures.

Along with other medications, it is sometimes used for curing malaria. This drug is also used to treat several intestinal infections and sexually transmitted infections. This medicine is not recommended for use in case of common cold, flu or viral infection since it is active against infections caused by bacteria only.

Symptoms of overdose include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, prostration. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. Take as directed. Take all of prescribed medication. Do not discontinue until prescription is completed.

Take suspension 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals; tablet form may be taken with meals to decrease GI effects. Do not take with aluminum- or magnesium-containing antacids. May cause transient abdominal distress, diarrhea, headache.

Report signs of additional infections (eg, sores in mouth or vagina, vaginal discharge, unresolved fever, severe vomiting, or diarrhea). Safety and efficacy of Azithromycin have not been established in children <6 months of age with acute otitis media and in children <2 years of age with pharyngitis/tonsillitis.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• Bronchitis

• Sinusitis

• Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis

• Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

• Lower Respiratory Tract Infection

• Skin And Structure Infection

• Bacterial Infections

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• Hypersensitivity

• Severe Liver Impairment

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• Diarrhoea

• Nausea

• Abdominal Pain

• Vomiting

• Fever

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Rash

• Angioedema

• Ototoxicity

• Allergic Reaction

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• How long is the duration of effect?

  The effect of this drug lasts for an average duration of 2 to 4 days.

• What is the onset of action?

  The effect of this drug can be observed within 2 to 3 hours of dose administration.

• Are there any pregnancy warnings?

  This drug is not recommended for use by pregnant women unless extremely necessary. Consult your doctor to weigh the risks and benefits of taking it.

• Is it habit forming?

  No habit forming tendency has been reported.

• Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

  This drug is not recommended for the breastfeeding mothers unless extremely necessary. Close monitoring of the infant will be required if taking it at all.

• Is It safe with alcohol?

  Interaction with alcohol is unknown. Consult a doctor before taking the medicine when consuming alcohol.

• Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

  The side effects of this drug can be adverse and when facing the same, driving should be completely avoided.

• Does this affect liver function?

  It should be avoided if the person is suffering from any type of liver disease.

• Does this affect kidney function?

  Caution must be taken while taking this medication in patients with kidney disease. Adjustment of dose is required, thus consult your doctor before taking Azithromycin.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• Are there any missed dose instructions?

  Take the missed dose as soon as possible and avoid taking it if its almost time for the other dose.

• Are there any overdose instructions?

  A doctor should be consulted immediately if such a situation is suspected.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• India

• United States

• Japan

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

Below is the list of medicines, which contains Azithromycin as ingredient

• Azibact 100 MG Syrup

  Ipca Laboratories Pvt Ltd.

• Azikem 250 MG Tablet

  Alkem Laboratories Ltd

• Azifast 250 MG Tablet

  Ipca Laboratories Pvt Ltd.

• Azicip 250 MG Tablet

  Cipla Ltd

• Azithral Xl 200 MG Liquid

  Alembic Ltd

• Zithrocare 200 MG Suspension

  Meyer Organics Pvt. Ltd

• Azimed 250 MG Suspension

  Zydus Cadila

• Azitus Xl 100 MG Suspension

  Zuventus Healthcare Ltd

• Azax 100 MG Suspension

  Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd

• Atm 100 MG Syrup

  Indoco Remedies Ltd

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

This medicine works by inhibiting protein synthesis by binding itself to 50S ribosomal subunits of the sensitive micro-organism. This infringes with transpeptidation and translocation and thus inhibits protein synthesis and cell growth.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

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• Interaction with Alcohol

  Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.

• Interaction with Lab Test

  Monitoring should be done of liver function tests and CBC differential when the patient is on this medicine.

• Interaction with Medicine

  • May inhibit CYP3A3/4 enzyme (mild).
  • Increased effect/toxicity: Azithromycin may increase levels of tacrolimus, phenytoin, ergot alkaloids, alfentanil, astemizole, terfenadine, bromocriptine, carbamazepine, cyclosporine, digoxin, disopyramide, and triazolam; Azithromycin did not affect the response to warfarin or theophylline although caution is advised when administered together.
  • Avoid use with pimozide due to significant risk of cardiotoxicity.

• Interaction with Food

  Rate and extent of GI absorption decreased; take this medicine on an empty stomach.

• Interaction with Disease

  • Qt Prolongation: Inform your doctor if you have an arrhythmia, any heart disease or drugs that prolong QT interval such as psychiatric drugs, anti-arrhythmic drugs.
  • Liver Disease: Inform your doctor if you have any liver disease and drugs that cause liver damage (Eg: TB drugs, HIV drugs).
  • Myasthenia Gravis: This medicine has certain interactions with diseases. A few of the diseases it interacts with are QT Prolongation, Liver disease and Myasthenia Gravis.
  • Use with caution in patients with hepatic dysfunction; hepatic impairment with or without jaundice has occurred chiefly in older children and adults.
  • It may be accompanied by malaise, nausea, vomiting, abdominal colic, and fever; discontinue use if these occur.
  • May mask or delay symptoms of incubating gonorrhea or syphilis, so appropriate culture and susceptibility tests should be performed prior to initiating Azithromycin.
  • Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with use of macrolide antibiotics.

• Ques : What is Azithromycin?

  Ans : It performs its action by preventing the synthesis of essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out vital functions.

• Ques : What are the uses of Azithromycin?

  Ans : Azithromycin is a salt, which is used for the treatment and prevention from conditions such as community-acquired pneumonia, pharyngitis/tonsillitis, and skin and soft tissue infections.

• Ques : What are the Side Effects of Azithromycin?

  Ans : Side effects include diarrhea, dry or scaly skin, abdominal pain, difficult or painful urination, vomiting, fever, acid or sour stomach, aggression or anger, excessive air or gas in the stomach, and heartburn.

• Ques : What are the instructions for storage and disposal Azithromycin?

  Ans : This drug should be kept in a cool dry place and its original packaging. Make sure this medication remains unreachable to children and pets. The patient should consult a doctor for its further uses.

• Ques : Can the use of Azithromycin cause diarrhea?

  Ans : Yes, the use of Azithromycin can cause diarrhea. It is an antibiotic that kills harmful bacteria. However, it also affects the helpful bacteria in your stomach or intestine and causes diarrhea. If you are experiencing severe diarrhea, consult your doctor immediately.

• Ques : Is Azithromycin safe?

  Ans : This drug is safe if used at prescribed doses as advised by your doctor.

• Ques : Is Azithromycin an antibiotic?

  Ans : Yes, this medication is an antibiotic that belongs to a class of antibiotics known as macrolides.

• Ques : What if I don't get better even after taking Azithromycin?

  Ans : You should inform your doctor if you do not notice any improvement in your symptoms after 3 days of taking Azithromycin and if your symptoms get worse.

• Azithromycin- Drug Information Portal [Internet]. druginfo.nlm.nih.gov. 2021 [Cited 23 Nov 2021]. Available from:

  https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/azithromycin

• Azithromycin 250 Film-coated Tablets- EMC [Internet]. www.medicines.org.uk. 2021 [Cited 23 Nov 2021]. Available from:

  https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/11680/smpc

• AZITHROMYCIN- azithromycin monohydrate tablet, film coated- Daily Med [Internet]. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2008 [Cited 23 Nov 2021]. Available from:

  https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=a2b0c06b-e93d-f5aa-e053-2995a90ac9aa