Azithromycin: Effective Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic Treatment
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Synonyms | |||
Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic medication prescribed for the treatment of various bacterial infections. Known for its broad-spectrum activity and convenient dosing regimen, it effectively targets respiratory, skin, and sexually transmitted infections. Its pharmacokinetic profile allows for high tissue concentration and a prolonged half-life, making it a preferred choice in both outpatient and clinical settings.
Features
- Active ingredient: Azithromycin dihydrate
- Available in 250 mg and 500 mg oral tablets
- Also available as oral suspension and intravenous formulation
- Extended half-life of approximately 68 hours
- Broad-spectrum activity against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and atypical bacteria
Benefits
- Effective against a wide range of bacterial pathogens
- Convenient once-daily dosing regimen improves patient compliance
- Rapid tissue penetration achieves therapeutic concentrations quickly
- Short treatment duration (typically 3-5 days) for most indications
- Generally well-tolerated with favorable safety profile
- Available in multiple formulations for different patient populations
Common use
Azithromycin is commonly prescribed for:
- Community-acquired pneumonia
- Acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis
- Acute bacterial sinusitis
- Pharyngitis/tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes
- Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections
- Urethritis and cervicitis
- Genital ulcer disease
- Acute otitis media in children
Dosage and direction
Adult dosing:
- Respiratory infections: 500 mg on day 1, followed by 250 mg daily on days 2-5
- Sexually transmitted diseases: Single 1 g dose
- Skin infections: 500 mg on day 1, followed by 250 mg daily on days 2-5
Pediatric dosing:
- Based on weight: 10 mg/kg on day 1 (maximum 500 mg), followed by 5 mg/kg on days 2-5 (maximum 250 mg)
- Acute otitis media: 30 mg/kg as a single dose or 10 mg/kg once daily for 3 days
Take on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals) for optimal absorption.
Precautions
- Complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve
- May cause prolongation of QT interval; use with caution in patients with known QT prolongation
- Monitor for signs of superinfection or antibiotic-associated colitis
- Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment
- May exacerbate symptoms of myasthenia gravis
- Not recommended during pregnancy unless clearly needed
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to azithromycin, erythromycin, or other macrolide antibiotics
- History of cholestatic jaundice/hepatic dysfunction with previous azithromycin use
- Patients with known QT prolongation or ventricular arrhythmia
- Concurrent use with drugs that prolong QT interval
- Severe hepatic impairment
Possible side effect
Common side effects (≥1%):
- Diarrhea (3-7%)
- Nausea (3-5%)
- Abdominal pain (2-3%)
- Headache (1-2%)
- Vomiting (1-2%)
Less common side effects:
- QT prolongation
- Hearing impairment
- Hepatotoxicity
- Allergic reactions
- Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea
- Taste perversion
Drug interaction
Significant interactions include:
- Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium: Reduce absorption
- Warfarin: May potentiate anticoagulant effect
- Cyclosporine: Increased cyclosporine levels
- Digoxin: May increase digoxin serum concentration
- Ergot derivatives: Risk of ergotism
- QT-prolonging agents: Additive effect on QT interval
- Theophylline: Possible increased theophylline levels
Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as remembered. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed dose.
Overdose
Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and temporary hearing loss. Management is supportive; gastric lavage may be considered if presented early. There is no specific antidote. Hemodialysis is not effective for removal.
Storage
- Store at room temperature (15-30°C/59-86°F)
- Keep in original container, tightly closed
- Protect from excessive moisture and light
- Oral suspension: Store reconstituted suspension at room temperature and use within 10 days
- Keep out of reach of children
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any medication. Dosage and treatment duration should be determined by a physician based on individual patient factors. Not all possible uses, precautions, side effects, or interactions are listed here.
Reviews
Clinical studies demonstrate azithromycin’s efficacy across multiple indications. In respiratory infections, clinical cure rates range from 85-95%. For chlamydial infections, single-dose therapy shows efficacy exceeding 95%. The drug maintains favorable patient satisfaction scores due to its convenient dosing schedule and generally good tolerability profile. However, emerging bacterial resistance patterns require careful consideration of appropriate use.