Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used in treatment or prevention of a wide variety of bacterial infections. It is one of the most widely-used antibiotics in the world.

This medication is effective only against certain types of bacteria and will not help combat viral infections.

Who Uses Azithromycin?

Azithromycin an effective antibacterial for nearly everyone, including infants, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems.

It is commonly prescribed to treat:

• Strep throat
• Sinusitis
• Skin infections
• Pneumonia and other respiratory infections
• Ear infections
• Other bacterial infections

Azithromycin is also sometimes prescribed to prevent heart infection in patients requiring dental work, treatment for early Lyme disease, and to treat certain types of STDs or prevent STDs from developing in exposed persons.

How Does it Work?

Azithromycin interferes with the protein synthesis of bacteria, which prevents bacteria from growing and reproducing. In healthy adults the immune system will work with the medication to quickly eradicate the infection. Treatment may be longer in patients with weakened immune systems.

In many cases a test will be preformed to verify the infection is bacterial before a prescription will be written. This medication is not effective against infections caused by viruses.

How is it Taken?

When taking Azithromycin, like any antibiotic, it is important to follow physician instructions and complete the treatment even if the infection seems to be gone. There may still be lingering bacteria, and stopping treatment early encourages development of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains.

Azithromycin comes in tablet or liquid form. It is typically taken once a day for about 5 days. Physician instructions will vary depending on the condition being treated and the patient's age, health, and other factors.

It should be taken with a full glass of fluid, with or without food.

Missed doses should be taken when remembered, unless it is near time for the next dose, in which case it can be skipped entirely. Do not take double doses.

Ingredients:

Active ingredient: azithromycin monohydrate

Inactive ingredients: lactose monohydrate, carmine, talc, calcium phosphate, titanium dioxide, hypromellose, butylated hydroxytoluene, magnesium stearate, colloidal silicon dioxide, triacetin, sodium lauryl sulfate, pregelatinized starch, FD&C yellow # 6, FD&C red # 40

Patients with known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients in Azithromycin should not use this product.

Adverse Effects:

For the most part Azithromycin is a very safe medication, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Antacids containing magnesium or aluminum may interfere with Azithromycin's effectiveness and should not be taken for at least 2 hours after taking Azithromycin.

• Some patients are more susceptible to sunburn while taking Azithromycin. Avoid tanning beds and use protection if out in the sun for long periods.

Most side effects are mild, including headache, nausea, difficulty sleeping, mild rashes, mild diarrhea, and insomnia.

More severe side effects are rare, but warrant immediate medical attention:

• Uneven or rapid heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Persistent or bloody diarrhea
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)
• Fever
• Any sign of allergic reaction such as hives or swelling of the tongue, throat or eyes

Contraindications and Interactions:

There are many drugs that may interact with Azithromycin. As with any medication, the prescribing physician should be made aware of all medical conditions and all prescription and non-prescription drugs being taken to avoid negative interactions.

Patients with a history of jaundice or liver problems may be at greater risk of certain side effects. The benefits versus risks associated with the medication should be discussed with a physician before taking.

Why Azithromycin?

As mentioned above, Azithromycin is one of the most widely-used antibiotics in the world. It is a safe and effective treatment for nearly any kind of bacterial infection, suitable for nearly any patient regardless of age or health.