Azithromycin is an antibiotic that belongs to the macrolide group. Macrolides are a large family of natural products, many of which have antibiotic activity. Macrolide antibiotics are special molecules that act by interfering with the protein synthesis of the pathogenic microorganism. This microorganism binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit, which prevents the peptidyltransferase enzyme from providing elongation to the nascent polypeptide chain. As a result, it blocks the growth and multiplication of the microbe. Generally, macrolides are bacteriostatic antibiotics; however, when administered at high doses, they also become bactericides.
What is Azithromycin?
Azithromycin is used to cope with different types of infections:
- Infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract;
- Odontostomatological infections ;
- Skin infections;
- Soft tissue infections;
- Urogenital infections
How should Azithromycin be taken?
Azithromycin is administered orally in the form of tablets or powder for oral suspension or parenterally (powder and solvent for intravenous or intramuscular injections). Treatment varies depending on the type of infection that needs to be treated. Usually, 500-1000 mg of azithromycin per day is sufficient to control the proliferation of bacteria within 3 days of treatment. An adjustment of the dose should be expected in the case of elderly patients or patients with liver dysfunction. The use of this drug in children should be defined and supervised by a specialist.
Side effects associated with Azithromycin
The most common side effects of azithromycin include the following:
- Gastrointestinal disorders: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain;
- Central nervous system disorders: headache, fatigue, irritability;
- Liver function abnormalities;
- Dermatological disorders (rare): skin rash , swelling, hives;
- Cardiac abnormalities (rare);
In the case of administration via injection, you may experience pain and swelling at the injection site.
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Azithromycin
The administration of azithromycin is contraindicated in patients that are hypersensitive to azithromycin, its components and excipients or other macrolide antibiotics. It should not be administered in patients who suffer from severe hepatic insufficiency. The use of this drug while pregnant or breast-feeding is contraindicated.
