Category – Antibacterial
Introduction:
Azithromycin is an antibiotic as well as antimicrobial medication used to treat bacterial infections caused in the human body. It is used to treat the infection caused in the tonsil, throat, sinus, ear, nose, skin, soft tissues, and lungs. It is mainly and widely used in respiratory infections. Azithromycin can be given orally or intravenously (through Injections).
Uses:
How To Consume:
Azithromycin should be taken as per prescribed by a doctor. The dosage form and quantity of the drug might be different for every infection. Consume it with food or without food. Store at room temperature, Keep away from high temperatures and humidity. It can be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
Duration Between Two Dose:
Azithromycin is taken once a day as per the dosage instructed by the doctor. The maximum dose should be 500mg/dose. It can be taken orally for 2 to 5 days.
Side Effects:
Some common side effects can be seen after taking Azithromycin
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea or vomiting,
• Stomach pain
• Headache.
Drug Mechanism:
Azithromycin is an antibiotic that works as a bacteriostatic agent which means it inhibits the growth of bacteria without killing them and helps in the prevention of infection. Sometimes it kills certain bacteria such as streptococci and Haemophilus Influenza in higher doses. Azithromycin shows great tissue penetration and intracellular accumulation. It flows from the bloodstream to tissues and then passes through cellular membranes, showing effectiveness against intracellular pathogens.
Safety Measures:
When to See Doctor:
Severe Stomach Pain
Watery and Bloody Diarrhoea
Shortening Of Breath, Sudden Dizziness
Nausea, Pale Skin and Eyes, Dark Colour Urine
Severe Weakness
Flu-like symptoms
Skin Rash
Muscle ache
If conditions from this occur you should see the doctor or it can be hazardous for your health if not cured as soon as possible.
Allergic Reaction:
This drug can cause severe allergic reactions. Symptoms include:
Difficulty breathing
Swelling of the throat and tongue
Hives
Severe skin reactions cause symptoms such as redness, blistering, and peeling (sloughing off dead skin)
Immediately go to the doctor if this symptoms occurs.
Available Dosage Form:
Form:
1. Oral Tablet
Strengths: 250 mg, 500 mg, 600 mg
2. Intravenous
Strengths: 500 mg solution
Child Dosage
Ages 0 to less than 6 months
This medicine should not used in children under 6 months.
Ages 6 months to 17 years
A standard dosage is 10mg/kg body weight once daily for 3 days.
Adult Dosage
Ages 18 years and older
A standard dosage is 500 mg once a day for 3 days from 18 years old.
A doctor may give a single dose of 500 mg on day 1 then on day 2 he may prescribe 250 mg once a day till day 5.
Important Note:
Azithromycin causes Diarrhoea as a side effect but if it’s watery and bloody then consult a doctor before taking any anti- diarrhea medicine.
The dose should be completed as prescribed by the doctor whether the infection was cured earlier or not.
In case you missed the dose, do not take extra medicine.
Take the gap of 2 hours between antacid and azithromycin.
Immediately see the doctor if any allergic reactions are developed after taking Azithromycin.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding a baby, Confirm with a doctor before taking it.
Various Brands:
REFERENCE:
Book Of Goodman & Gilman’s The Pharmacological Basis Of Therapeutics (13th Edition)
Book Of Rang & Dale’s Pharmacology (9th Edition)
Book Of Essentials Of Medical Pharmacology – K D Tripathi (8th edition)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/azithromycin
Great work and information. Very specifically covered all points.
Nice blog, very infomative 👍