Azithromycin is an antibiotic used to treat many bacterial infections. These include inflammation of the throat and neck, but also some sexually transmitted infections.
What is azithromycin?
Azithromycin is an antibiotic used to treat many bacterial infections. Azithromycin is a drug that chemically belongs to the group of glycosides. As an antibiotic, it belongs to the group of macrolide antibiotics. Azithromycin is the most widely marketed antibiotic in the world. It is obtained from erythromycin with a methyl-replacing nitrogen atom incorporated into the lactone compound. Azithromycin is used to treat and prevent bacterial infections. In most cases, these infections cause middle ear infections, strep throat, pneumonia, typhoid fever, bronchitis, and sinusitis. In recent years, azithromycin has been used primarily in infants or people with weak immune systems. It is also very effective against certain sexually transmitted diseases such as: Urethritis, Chlamydia, Cervicitis. Some studies also claim to have proven that azithromycin is effective for late-onset asthma. But these studies are controversial and not widely reported.
Pharmacologic action
Like all antibiotics, azithromycin acts against the reproduction of bacteria, or more precisely, against the protein biosynthesis of certain bacteria. In a bacterial infection, which can cause many different diseases, bacteria coming from the outside invade the organism, multiply, and can cause unpleasant symptoms. Protein biosynthesis is the core of any cell formation. Azithromycin interferes with the mediation of the individual biological players of these processes in the hostile cells and thus leads to a standstill in growth. Different antibiotics are differently effective against specific types of bacteria. They also have other important properties. What is special about azithromycin is that it can remain in the respiratory tract, throat and pharynx for a longer period of time, making it more effective. The body’s own defense mechanisms break down azithromycin only with a delay. When taken by the patient, this means an enormous advantage. Azithromycin only needs to be taken for three days, but can have a delayed effect for up to 4 days after ingestion. The often negative effects of antibiotics on the digestive system are reduced by this property. A disadvantage of azithromycin is that it remains in the body for a long time in only low concentrations. This leads to more effective bacterial resistance to the drug.
Medical application and use
Azithromycin may be taken on a full or empty stomach. If the patient is sensitive, it is better to take azithromycin after a small meal to avoid irritating the stomach. The dosage of azithromycin may vary and depends on the infection. To prevent infection, the drug is usually taken once a week. The patient should follow the doctor’s instructions very closely and take the drug exactly as prescribed. To treat an infection, azithromycin is usually taken once a day at the same time each day. This is important to ensure a consistent release of the drug in the body. Azithromycin should be taken for exactly as long as the doctor prescribes. Early discontinuation of the drug due to lack of symptoms can lead to new infections and the development of resistance in the enemy strain of bacteria. Acid blockers containing aluminum or magnesium may result in decreased absorption of azithromycin if taken at the same time. A two-hour interval should be maintained between taking these agents.
Risks and Side Effects
The most common side effects are: Stomach pain, diarrhea, dizziness, vomiting, or abdominal pain. If these side effects occur, a doctor should be informed immediately. The same applies to the following side effects, which occur less frequently but are serious: Hearing problems; vision problems (blurred vision); problems speaking or swallowing; muscle weakness; liver disorders (recognizable by severe fatigue, dark urine, yellow skin); also dizziness or increasing heart rate are side effects for which medical help should be sought immediately.In no case should strong painkillers or anti-diarrheal drugs be taken without prior consultation with the doctor. The drugs may aggravate the side effects if necessary. Acute allergic reactions are also possible, although very rare. These include breathing problems, rash, itching, and dizziness.