Where is Azithromycin used?
Azithromycin is a macrolide-type antibiotic used for the treatment of a wide variety of bacterial infections. This may also be used to prevent mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection. MAC usually occurs in people with HIV infection. Azithromycin can be used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as well.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved this medication. Azithromycin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria. This is particularly used in different types of infections caused by certain bacteria;
- Skin infections
- Respiratory infections
- Ear infections
- Sexually transmitted diseases
How does Azithromycin work?
Azithromycin is a type of antibiotic called a macrolide. It works by preventing bacteria from making proteins that are important to them. Without these proteins, the bacteria cannot develop, duplicate, and rise in numbers. The bacteria eventually die or are destroyed by the immune system. This clears up the infection.
How is Azithromycin taken?
Azithromycin is usually taken once a day with or without a meal as directed by your doctor. You may take the medicine with food if a stomach upset happens. To help you remember, take the medication at the same time and in the same way each day. For the best effects, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times.
You should begin to feel better during the first few days of treatment with this medication. Take Azithromycin until you finish the prescription even if you feel better. Do not stop taking the drug unless you experience severe side effects. If you stop taking this medicine too soon or skip the disease, your infection may not be completely treated. The bacteria may as well become resistant to antibiotics.
An antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium may lessen the absorption of this drug if taken at the same time. Wait at least 2 hours if you take an antacid that contains magnesium or aluminum, before or after taking this drug. Let your doctor know if your condition persists or gets worse.
What are the precautions in taking Azithromycin?
- Inform your doctor if you have any allergies or any medical history. This drug may have some ingredients that cause an allergic reaction.
- If you vomit within an hour after taking a dose of this medication, call your doctor right away. Your doctor will tell you if you need to take another dose. Do not take another dose unless your doctor tells you to do so.
- Consult your doctor first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding women before using this medication.
- This may make you feel dizzy. Avoid using machinery or driving.
- If you need to take a painkiller while you are taking this drug, it may be safe if you’ll take ibuprofen, paracetamol, or co-codamol.
- Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have any other medicines including those non-prescription and herbal medicines.
- Do not share this or any of your medications with others who have the same condition as yours.
- This can rarely cause liver problems. If you have any liver problems, it could make your liver function worse.
- Azithromycin does not affect hormonal contraceptives such as the pill. But, if you experience vomit while taking antibiotics, this can potentially make your pill less effective at preventing pregnancy. Call your doctor for instructions if this happens.
