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Azithromycin

About Azithromycin

Azithromycin belongs to a group of medicines known as macrolide antibiotics. It is used to treat various respiratory system bacterial infections (like pneumonia, bronchitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis and sinusitis), skin infections (like acne and rosacea), ear infections, and sexually transmitted infections. A bacterial infection is a condition in which bacteria grow in the body and cause infection. It can target any body part and multiple very quickly.

Azithromycin slows the growth or sometimes kills the harmful bacteria by preventing the production of proteins required by the bacteria for its survival. Azithromycin does not treat a viral infection like flu or a common cold.

Azithromycin should only be taken if advised by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food but should be consumed at a fixed time for the best results. Azithromycin should not be consumed more than the recommended dose, to avoid unpleasant side effects. And also, the course should be completed even if you feel better as it is an antibiotic. Some common side effects of Azithromycin are diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and indigestion. An allergic reaction such as rashes, itching, swelling, and shortness of breath can occur in rare cases. Please consult your doctor if an allergic reaction becomes severe.

Tell your doctor if you have liver problems, muscle problems (myasthenia gravis), heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia), or electrolyte imbalance (low potassium or magnesium level). You should consult a doctor if you have had diarrhoea for more than four days. However, do not take any anti-diarrheal medicine until your doctor tells you. It is unknown whether Azithromycin harms the baby or passes into breast milk in pregnancy and breastfeeding state. Contacting a doctor before using Azithromycin during pregnancy and while breastfeeding is better. Avoid too much exposure to sunlight as Azithromycin can make your skin sensitive to sunburn. In this case, it is advisable to wear protective clothing or apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Uses of Azithromycin

Bacterial infections

Medicinal Benefits

Azithromycin slows the growth or sometimes kills the harmful bacteria by preventing the production of proteins required by the bacteria for its survival. It prevents and treats bacterial infections like throat and sinus infections, chest infections (like bronchitis and pneumonia), ear infections, mouth and dental infections, eye infections, skin and tissue infections (like acne), and stomach and intestinal infections. It is better tolerated and has more effective tissue penetration than other similar antibiotics like erythromycin. Doctors prescribe Azithromycin for people who are intolerant to penicillin antibiotics. Besides this, it also helps prevent infection following burns, surgery or dental procedure, sexually transmitted infections, bone infections or scarlet fever (bacterial illness with strep throat).

Directions for Use

Tablet/capsule: Swallow it as a whole with water; do not crush, break or chew it. Dispersible Tablet: Check the label for directions before use. Disperse the tablet in the prescribed amount of water and swallow the contents. Do not crush, chew or swallow as a whole. Suspension/Syrup: Shake the bottle well before use. Check the label for directions and take Azithromycin in doses as prescribed by your doctor with the help of a measuring cup. Powder/granules: Check the label for directions before use. Mix the powder/granules in water, mix well and drink immediately.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

Side Effects of Azithromycin

  • Diarrhoea
  • Feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)
  • Stomach cramps
  • Loss of appetite
  • Bloating
  • Indigestion

Patients Concern

Disease/Condition Glossary

Bacterial infection: A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply, and infect our body. It can target any body part and multiple very quickly. When you get infected with bacteria, you can experience generalized symptoms like fevers, chills, and fatigue. Bacteria are of various forms comprising commonly spherical, rod, and spiral-shaped. Bacterial infections vary from minor illnesses like sore throat and ear infections to severe brain infections like meningitis and encephalitis. Few harmful bacteria that cause infections include Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and E. coli. Anyone can become infected with a bacterial infection. But, people with weak immune systems or taking immunosuppressive medicine can make you more prone to bacterial infection.

FAQs

Do not take antacids that contain aluminium or magnesium hydroxide within 2 hours before or after you take Azithromycin. These antacids can interact with Azithromycin and make them less effective when taken at the same time.

Never stop the treatment with Azithromycin on your own as the infection may come back again (relapse) if the prescribed treatment is not completely taken. Before stopping Azithromycin once discuss this with your doctor.

If you forget to take Azithromycin, take your dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, just skip that dose and take the next one when it is due. If in doubt, please contact your doctor. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose

Azithromycin contains lactose monohydrate so if you have intolerance towards sugars, consult your doctor before starting Azithromycin.

Azithromycin can cause diarrhoea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhoea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhoea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

You should avoid taking Azithromycin if you have colitis (intestine inflammation), heart rhythm disorder, liver disease (like jaundice), and muscle problem (like myasthenia gravis). Contact your doctor if you have these conditions before taking Azithromycin.

No, it is a Schedule H drug that can be taken only if your doctor has prescribed it. Taking it on your own or self-medication can cause unwanted side-effects and lead to antibiotic resistance thereby lowering its efficiency.

Yes in some cases, people using Azithromycin may get a fungal skin infection known as thrush. It happens because Azithromycin also kills harmless bacteria that protects against thrush.

Clinical evidence suggests that Azithromycin does not affect the working of any oral birth control pills and contraceptives devices.

Available Medicines for

Azithromycin

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