Azithromycin

• General information
• FAQ
• Comparison with Other Antibiotics
• Contraindications
• Antibiotic Resistance
• Interactions
• Side Effects
• Forms
• Precautions
• Dosages
• Uses
• Buy Azithromycin Online

Azithromycin is a widely used antibiotic belonging to the macrolide class. It is commonly prescribed to treat bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections, ear infections, skin infections, and sexually transmitted diseases. This antibiotic is known for its long half-life, allowing for shorter treatment courses than other antibiotics. It works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, preventing the bacteria from growing and multiplying. This makes it effective against a wide range of bacterial infections.

What Is Azithromycin?

People buy it to treat respiratory, skin, ear, and sexually transmitted diseases in adults. In children, it is used to treat a middle ear infection, pneumonia, tonsillitis, etc.

The main active ingredient, azithromycin, is a macrolide antibiotic that interferes with the growth of bacterial cells. It treats bacterial infections in different parts of the human body. The medicine is also prescribed in the currently approved strategy of treatment of sexually transmitted vaginal or urinary tract infections caused by chlamydia. It should be noted that despite its general effectiveness in treating bacteria-induced illnesses, Azithromycin should not be used to treat any diseases of viral origin.

How Does Azithromycin Work?

Azithromycin exerts its antibacterial effects by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria, thereby inhibiting protein synthesis. This prevents bacteria from growing and replicating, ultimately leading to their elimination by the body’s immune system.

The main active ingredient accumulates primarily in lysosomes, which is especially important for eliminating potentially dangerous intracellular pathogens. It has been proven that phagocytes deliver Azithromycin to the areas of infection, where it is released. The detected levels of the substance in the affected cells are 24–34% higher than in healthy tissues and correlate with the degree of the inflammation process. Since the active ingredient is accumulated in bactericidal concentrations for five to seven days, it can be used for short (3-day and 5-day) therapeutic courses.

Pharmacokinetics of Azithromycin

Azithromycin is well-absorbed when taken orally, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 2-3 hours. It has a unique ability to concentrate in tissues, particularly in the lungs, skin, and white blood cells, where it remains active for an extended period. This tissue penetration improves its effectiveness against bacterial infections and allows shorter treatment durations. The drug is primarily eliminated through bile, with only a small percentage excreted in the urine. Its extended half-life of around 68 hours supports its convenient dosing regimen, reducing the need for multiple daily doses.

Indications and Uses

Azithromycin is prescribed to treat the following conditions:

• infectious and inflammatory diseases caused by microorganisms sensitive to Azithromycin;
• infectious illnesses of the upper respiratory tract (tonsillitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, etc.);
• infections of the lower respiratory tract (bacterial and atypical pneumonia, chronic pneumonia, bronchitis, etc.);
• infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissues;
• urinary tract infections (gonorrheal and non-urethral urethritis, cervicitis);
• Lyme disease;
• diseases associated with Helicobacter pylori (as part of combination therapy).

For more detailed information on Azithromycin’s medical applications, visit our Uses of Azithromycin article.

Dosage and Administration

Azithromycin is available in multiple forms, including tablets, capsules, oral suspensions, and intravenous injections. The prescribed dosage depends on the condition being treated. In respiratory infections, a common dosage involves a loading dose of 500 mg on the first day, followed by 250 mg once daily for four more days. This short course makes it a convenient treatment option for patients. For treating chlamydia, a single 1g dose is often sufficient to clear the infection.

Pediatric dosages are carefully calculated based on the child’s weight to ensure safety and effectiveness. Intravenous administration is reserved for severe infections where oral treatment is not suitable. To ensure the best therapeutic outcomes, it is essential to follow prescribed dosages precisely. Refer to our Azithromycin Dosage article for a complete guide on proper dosing.

Different Forms of Azithromycin

Azithromycin comes in different formulations to accommodate various patient needs:

• Tablets and capsules are the most commonly prescribed forms for adults, offering an easy way to take the medication.
• The oral suspension is often preferred for children or individuals who have difficulty swallowing pills.
• The intravenous formulation is used in hospitals to manage severe infections where high bloodstream concentrations of the drug are necessary.

Each form has its advantages depending on the patient’s condition, severity of the infection, and ease of administration. Understanding which form is appropriate for specific situations is crucial. Read our Different Forms of Azithromycin article to explore the differences between these formulations.

Interactions

Azithromycin must be prescribed with care, especially if there is a chance of administration with other drugs. Particular attention should be paid when this medicine is prescribed along with the following drugs:

• antacids;
• astemizole;
• digoxin;
• dihydroergotamine;
• ergotamine;
• magnesium salts;
• triazolam.

Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium may decrease the absorption of Azithromycin if taken simultaneously. If you take antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium, wait at least two hours before or after taking the drug.

Your healthcare provider should be informed about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, and/or herbal products. In addition, inform your healthcare provider if you smoke, use illegal drugs, or consume increased daily doses of caffeine and/or alcohol. These substances may affect the medicine’s work, leading to side effects and/or decreasing the positive effects. Unnecessary administration or misuse of the antibiotic may lead to its decreased effectiveness.

To understand how Azithromycin interacts with other drugs, refer to our Interactions article.

Contraindications and Precautions

Before taking Azithromycin, patients should discuss their medical history with their healthcare provider. Those with liver or kidney disease should be monitored, as Azithromycin is metabolized in the liver and excreted by the kidneys. Individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, especially those prone to arrhythmias, should be cautious due to the risk of QT prolongation. Myasthenia gravis patients may also experience worsening symptoms while taking Azithromycin. Additionally, individuals who had previously allergic reactions to macrolide antibiotics should avoid this medication.

Inform your physician if you have any of the following health conditions:

• liver diseases;
• stomach problems (especially colitis);
• severe kidney diseases;
• pneumonia;
• other chronic illness;
• unusual or allergic reactions.

Please read more about crucial safety measures in our Precautions article.

For more details about Contraindications, visit our Contraindications Depending on the Age Group article.

Dangerous Signs and Side Effects

Common side effects that you should report to your health care professional as soon as possible include the following:

• dark yellow or brown urine;
• difficulty breathing;
• severe diarrhea;
• skin rash;
• itching;
• irregular heartbeat;
• chest pain.

Among adverse reactions that may require professional medical help, the most characteristic ones include the following:

• diarrhea;
• headache;
• dizziness;
• stomach pain or cramps;
• increased sensitivity to the sunlight;
• fatigue;
• nausea.

If your symptoms do not improve in two to three days from the beginning of the therapy, you should contact your healthcare provider. Keep out of the sun, wear protective clothing outdoors, and avoid bright sunlight.

Take this antibiotic according to the prescribed routine for the best curative effect.

Severe allergic reactions associated with this drug are relatively rare. Nonetheless, get medical help if you observe any signs of a serious allergic reaction, including severe fever, rash, itching/swelling (especially severe swelling of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, etc. If you notice adverse effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Check out our article on azithromycin side effects to learn more about potential risks and how to manage them.

Prescription

Azithromycin is a medicine available on prescription. A medical professional must approve an antibiotic before use because it is supposed to treat bacteria. This medicine is prescribed even for a single dose. Prescription helps reduce the chances of resistance, promote effective infection treatment, decrease the chances of vaccine resistance, and endeavor to ensure patients are given the right amount that meets their health needs.

Benefits of Using Azithromycin

Azithromycin has many advantages over other drugs in treating infections because of its wide range of activity and beneficial pharmacokinetic properties. Because of its long half-life, the medicine can be prescribed as a single dose daily, benefiting children and other patients with swallowing difficulties.

We have prepared for you a comparative analysis of the most commonly used antibiotics, so you can study the advantages of using azithromycin over other antibiotics.

Mail Order

Azithromycin can be ordered online via mail order services, which helps patients avoid visits to the pharmacy. This service is of great use for people with mobility difficulties or those who cannot access a pharmacy due to distance. A simple medical questionnaire should be filled in and submitted. This method protects individuals’ privacy and confidentiality; drugs are sent through the postal service, so patient information remains secure and confidential. There are no unnecessary delays in getting essential medicines. Read more on this topic in our Buy Azithromycin Online  article.

Azithromycin is a highly effective antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections. However, responsible use is essential to ensure both safety and effectiveness. Patients should be aware of proper dosing, possible side effects, and the risk of antibiotic resistance. Explore our detailed articles linked above for more in-depth information.

Other Brand Names in Different Countries

Azithromycin is marketed under various brand names across different countries.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, as Azithromycin is sold under numerous brand names worldwide.

If you still have questions, you may check our FAQs to get answers for the most popular questions about Azithromycin.