Description
Azithromycin is an antibiotic used to treat various types of bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, ear, nose, throat, lungs, skin, and eye in adults and children. It is also effective in typhoid fever and some sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea.
Azithromycin is a broad-spectrum type of antibiotic effective in killing many types of gram-positive bacteria, some types of gram-negative bacteria and other microorganisms. This medicine is taken orally, preferably either one hour before or 2 hours after a meal. It should be used regularly at evenly spaced time intervals as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Stopping the medicine too early may lead to the return or worsening of the infection.
Commonly seen side effects seen with this medicine include vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea. These are usually temporary and subside with the completion of treatment. Consult your doctor if you find these side effects worry you or persist for a longer duration.
Inform your doctor if you have any previous history of allergy or heart problems before taking this medicine. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before using this medicine.
USES OF AZITHROMYCIN
Bacterial infections
Bacterial infections are caused by bacteria, a kind of microorganisms that are made of only one cell. Bacteria live in all kinds of the environment including extreme hot and cold conditions. Millions of bacteria are present in the environment around us, on our body and inside it.
Bacteria are both harmful and useful to us. In fact, only a small number of bacteria are responsible for illnesses. Many are beneficial, such as those involved in immunity, digestion, and production of antibiotics and food products.
BENEFITS OF AZITHROMYCIN
In Bacterial infections
Azithromycin is an antibiotic medicine which can be used to treat many different infections caused by bacteria. These include infections of the blood, brain, lungs, bones, joints, urinary tract, stomach and intestines. It can also be used to treat sexually transmitted diseases. It stops the growth of the bacteria causing the infection and clears the infection. Take it for as long as prescribed by the doctor and avoid skipping doses. This will make sure that all bacteria are killed and they do not become resistant.
SIDE EFFECTS OF AZITHROMYCIN
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them.
Common side effects of Azithromycin:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
HOW TO USE AZITHROMYCIN
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Azithromycin may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
HOW AZITHROMYCIN WORKS
Azithromycin is an antibiotic. It works by preventing synthesis of essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out vital functions. Thus, it stops the bacteria from growing, and prevents the infection from spreading.
SAFETY ADVICE
Alcohol
UNSAFE
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Azithromycin.
Pregnancy
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Azithromycin is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.
Breastfeeding
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Azithromycin is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.
There may be a possibility of diarrhea or rash in the baby.
Driving
SAFE
Azithromycin does not usually affect your ability to drive.
Kidney
CAUTION
Azithromycin should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Azithromycin may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Liver
CAUTION
Azithromycin should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Azithromycin may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
