Asitomycin (azithromycin) is a macrolide antibiotic used in both prevention and treatment of common bacterial infections. It is suitable for use in all ages, though very young patients and those with major medical conditions will need modified dosing.

Like all macrolide antibiotics, Asitomycin works by inhibiting protein production in the bacteria. Lacking the protein, the bacteria is unable to flourish and the body is able to fight off the infection.

Note that Asitomycin is not necessarily the best choice against all types of bacteria; for best results and rapid healing the offending bacteria is best identified by a doctor prior to choosing an antibiotic. Resistant bacteria is also a concern; in some areas bacteria have developed resistance to Asitomycin and other medications may produce significantly better results.

Asitomycin is not effective against viral or fungal infections.

Conditions Treated

Asitomycin is useful in treating a myriad of bacterial infections, ranging from mild to severe, in patients of any age. Among the more common are:

• Typhoid
• Malaria
• Pneumonia
• Tonsillitis
• Lyme Disease
• Strep throat
• Eye infections
• Middle ear infections
• Sinus infections/sinusitis
• Prevention of infection before dental or medical procedures
• Bacterial infections in infants and immunocompromised patients
• Sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and genital ulcers
• Many other bacterial infections

Asitomycin is also used in experimental treatments. For example, it has shown significant improvement in asthma---even eliminating it entirely---if taken daily over the long term. However, these uses also have their drawbacks and it is unlikely patients will find a doctor willing to prescribe Asitomycin for experimental use.

This medication is also used to prevent infection when infection is likely; such as to prevent infection in patients requiring dental work, or prevent STDs from developing in exposed persons.

Dosage & Administration

Asitomycin comes in tablets of 250 or 500 mg strengths. Tablets should be taken with a full glass of fluid; food is optional, but may reduce gastrointestinal side effects.

In otherwise healthy adults dosage is almost always either 250 mg or 500 mg, taken once per day. 250 mg tablets are usually taken for 6 days while 500 mg are taken for 3 days. This treatment style is so common that tablets are sold in groups of 3; either 3, 6, 9, or 12 tablets and so forth. There are exceptions to this dosing rule, however, especially among young children.

Improvements typically develop quickly, usually with the first dose. Treatment should continue for the full course even if otherwise feeling fine; either 3 or 6 days or until a doctor says treatment may stop. Failure to complete treatment can contribute to resistant bacteria.

While prevention is a valid use for Asitomycin, the medication should not be used trivially for prevention purposes as, again, doing so can contribute to resistant bacteria.

Precautions Before Use

There are very few cases in which Asitomycin may not be suitable for an individual due to preexisting conditions, but for the most part lower doses will mitigate any safety concerns. Individuals who do have a major medical condition---such as major liver impairment or heart failure---are strongly advised to consult a doctor prior to treatment.

Side effects from Asitomycin are few and typically mild, including:

• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

The above are not cause for concern unless severe enough to be disruptive or persistant for several days following the end of treatment.

Other concerns regarding treatment:

• Antacids should be avoided 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking a dose of Asitomycin.
• Oral contraceptives may be rendered useless during treatment and for several days following. Alternate forms of protection should be utilized.
• Other medications can interact with Asitomycin. While unlikely to be directly dangerous, these interactions can cause one or the other medications involved to be less effective. Always double-check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing treatments.

Asitomycin is not thought to be harmful to unborn or nursing babies.