Details

Azithromycin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria. Azithromycin is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria, such as respiratory infections, skin infections, ear infections, and sexually transmitted diseases. You should not use azithromycin if you have ever had jaundice or liver problems caused by taking azithromycin or you are allergic to similar drugs such as clarithromycin, erythromycin or telithromycin. To make sure azithromycin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have liver disease kidney disease myasthenia gravis a heart rhythm disorder or a history of Long QT syndrome.

Typical Uses

Azithromycin is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It is a macrolide-type antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This medication will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness. Do not take azithromycin in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Side Effects

Contact your doctor immediately if you have signs of an allergic reaction. Azithromycin may cause certain side effects such as severe stomach pain, diarrhoea that is watery or bloody headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-coloured stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling. Older adults may be more likely to have side effects on heart rhythm, including a life-threatening fast heart rate.

Drug Interactions

• Azithromycin+amiodarone- Talk to your doctor before using amiodarone together with azithromycin. Combining these medications can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that is potentially life-threatening. In addition, amiodarone blood levels may be increased by medications like azithromycin, which may lead to the development of serious side effects such as pneumonitis (inflammation of lung tissue), nerve damage, liver injury, thyroid abnormalities, and vision impairment.

• Azithromycin+anagrelide- Using anagrelide together with azithromycin can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances.

• Azithromycin+bepridil- Using azithromycin together with bepridil can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances.

• Azithromycin+citalopram- Using citalopram together with azithromycin can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT sy

Mechanism of action

Azithromycin is a bacteriostatic drug acts by inhibiting protein synthesis. It binds reversibly to 50S ribosomal subunits of sensitive microorganism. Azithromycin interferes with transpeptidation and translocation thus there is inhibition of protein synthesis and hence inhibition of cell growth.

Pregnancy Category : B

Medicine that Uses Azithromycin