Introduction:
Drugs (medicines) are a boon to the recent era of various diseases. Some are so commonly prescribed and even sold over-the-counter in various places. Hence, detailed knowledge about the medicine you take is necessary to avoid any unwanted reaction. One such drug is Azithromycin.
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It is an antibacterial drug that belongs to the macrolide group. It prevents the growth of bacteria by preventing the synthesis of protein.
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This can be taken orally as it is not affected by acids and also does not require protection from gastric acids. Its absorption is believed to be greater when taken empty stomach, but mostly, advised to take with food.
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Commercially, it is available as Zithromax. Though it is available in various oral forms (oral -suspension and tablets, eye drops, intravenous) and doses (250, 500, 600 mg), different for pediatric, adult or geriatric ages, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking it.
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The drug should not be used in children below 6 months of age.
Uses:
It is used to treat various infections such as:
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Prevention and treatment of acute exacerbation of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) caused due to bacterias.
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Pneumonia which is community-acquired.
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Certain skin conditions or infections like cellulitis, erysipelas, folliculitis, etc.
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Urinary tract infections like urethritis, cervicitis.
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Eye infections like trachoma.
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Ulcer of the genitalia.
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Acute sinusitis caused by bacterias.
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Ear infections like otitis media.
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Throat infections like pharyngitis, tonsillitis.
Azithromycin Interactions:
A drug can interact with any other medicine that you are taking and show some unwanted effects or desired effect will be diminished. Azithromycin can interact with various medications, vitamins or any herbal medication you are taking and hence, it is advisable to discuss with your doctor about the drug details before taking it.
Some medicines can cause serious interactions and may need medical attention, like:
- Nelfinavir: If you take Azithromycin with this, you may notice liver or hearing problems.
- Warfarin: This combination may lead to increased bleeding.
Consumption of this drug with mild alcohol will not show any serious side-effects but moderate to high alcohol intake may increase the side-effects.
Side-effects:
Just like every other drug, this medicine also has its own side-effects which are as follows:
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Nausea, vomiting.
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Pain in the abdomen.
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Dizziness.
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A headache.
These are milder forms of unwanted effects and may go within some time. There are some serious side effects that require stoppage of the medicine and immediate medical attention, and they are as follows:
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Liver issues which can show symptoms like weakness, fatigue, upper abdominal pain, yellow discoloration of the skin and mucous membrane, dark urine.
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Allergic reactions like difficulty in breathing, rashes, swelling of lips, throat, tongue, face, etc.
Drug Warnings:
Certain conditions or diseases make it a contra-indication for the user to take this medicine as that can cause an adverse reaction. Some of them are as follows:
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Allergic reactions: Inpatients who have had allergic reactions to this are advised not to take it.
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Those who suffer from the abnormal rhythm of the heart.
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Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The drug can pass through breast-milk. Hence, it is necessary to talk to your gynecologist before consuming the drug in case of both pregnancy and breastfeeding.
In case of overdose, contact the emergency medical team for immediate medical help. Inappropriate usage of this drug will lead to the development of drug resistance to the bacteria, hence should not be used without physician’s advice.
Alternatives for Azithromycin:
In case, the drug is contraindicated for you, the doctor will prescribe you an alternative drug which can be any of the following like Amoxycillin with Clavulanic acid, Ciprofloxacin, Doxycycline, Cephalexin, Clindamycin, Levofloxacin, Sulfamethoxazole or Trimethoprim.
Although it is a very common drug prescribed with a higher safety margin, it has its own side-effects and hence, it is necessary to consult your physician before taking it. Online medical platforms have made it very easy to consult a doctor to help you with the doubts related to this drug.