Azithromycin is an antibacterial drug of the macrolide antibiotic class. It is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.
USES
- Pneumonia
- Influenza
- Throat infection
- Middle ear infections
- Urethritis
- Cervicitis
- Skin infections
- Trachoma
- Genital ulcers
- Bacterial sinusitis
- Pharyngitis
- Tonsilitis
- Chancroid
- Acute exacerbation of COPD.
DOSAGE OF AZITHROMYCIN
Dosage forms available:
- Tabets: 250 mg, 500 mg, 600 mg, 1000 mg
- Capsule: 250 mg, 500 mg
- IV injection solution: 500 mg
- Syrup: 100 mg/5 ml, 200 mg/5 ml
- Sachet: 100 mg, 125 mg, 200 mg.
Dosage guidelines:
- Tonsilitis: 500 mg on day one, following which 250 mg for next four days.
- Sinusitis: 500 mg orally once a day for three days.
- Cervicitis: 1000 mg once a day.
- Other doses depend on factors like the type & location of infection, bacteria, age, sex, presence of underlying diseases, immunity & doctor’s guidance.
Missed dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Overdose:
a) Administration of gastric lavage & induction of vomiting.
b) Maintaining hydration.
SIDE EFFECTS
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain
- Anxiety
- Trouble sleeping
- Weakness
- Muscle pain
- Ringing in the ears
- Fever
- Skin rash
- Decreased sense of smell & taste.
ADVERSE EFFECT ARISING FROM AZITHROMYCIN
- Gastritis
- Somnolence
- Bronchospasm
- Severe allergic reaction
- Fast heart rate
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Hypertension
- QT prolongation
- Paresthesia
- Decreased platelet count
- Vaginitis
- Candidiais
- Jaundice
- Elevated serum electrolytes.
PRECAUTIONS & CONTRAINDICATIONS
Azithromycin is contraindicated & precaution is advised in patients with following conditions:
- Heart conditions
- Low potassium & magnesium levels
- Heart rhythm problems
- C.Difficile infection
- Myasthenia gravis
- Liver problems
- Cholecystitis
- Renal problems
- Infants
- Immune system weakness & dysfunction.
INTERACTIONS OF AZITHROMYCIN
- Azithromycin may enhance the myopathic effect of atorvastatin.
- Macrolide Antibiotics may increase the serum concentration of Cardiac Glycosides.
- When given in presence of chloroquine, it may increase QT prolongation.
- Azithromycin may increase the serum concentration of Cyclosporin.
- Co-administration of nelfinavir with a single oral dose of azithromycin resulted in increased serum concentrations of the latter.
- May increase the serum concentration of prucalopride.
- Azithromycin may enhance the myopathic effect of Simvastatin.
- Can increase the serum concentration of vincristine.
IN PREGNANCY, BREAST FEEDING & CHILDREN
- Pregnancy: Azithromycin is a pregnancy category B drug, that means it is safe to use in pregnancy & does not cause harm to the fetus.
- Breast Feeding: Very low levels of the drug is passed on in breast milk & is considered safe.
- Children: Azithromycin is safe for use in children in throat infection.