Know About Azithromycin

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 Azithromycin (Zithromax) is an antibiotic that can help treat certain bacterial infections. It is generally safe to use while breastfeeding, but people with existing heart conditions should avoid this drug.

Azithromycin is an antibiotic in the macrolides class. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved azithromycin in 1991.

Like all antibiotics, azithromycin can only fight certain bacteria. For this reason, it is important to talk to a doctor before taking the drug. It is not effective against viral infections or as a pain reliever.

This article provides an overview of azithromycin, including its uses, side effects, warnings, and drug interactions.

What does azithromycin treat

Azithromycin can fight a wide range of bacteria, including many in the Streptococcus family. It can stop harmful bacteria from growing.

Healthcare providers tend to use this drug to treat mild-to-moderate infections of the lungs, sinuses, skin, and other body parts.

A doctor may prescribe azithromycin to treat the following bacterial infections:

  • sinus infections related to Moraxella catarrhalis or Streptococcus pneumoniae
  • community-acquired pneumonia related to Chlamydia pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, or S. pneumoniae
  • chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) complications related to M. catarrhalis or S. pneumoniae
  • some skin infections related to Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, or Streptococcus agalactiae
  • tonsillitis related to S. pyogenes
  • urethritis and cervicitis related to Chlamydia trachomatis
  • chancroid genital ulcers (in males) related to Haemophilus ducreyi
  • certain ear infections in children aged 6 months and over, such as those related to M. catarrhalis

Azithromycin treats many of the same infections that drugs such as penicillin and amoxicillin can treat.

A doctor may prescribe azithromycin as an alternative to other antibiotics because it typically requires a shorter course. It is also a good option for people with a history of allergies to other medications, or when other antibiotics do not work.

Because the risk of heart health problems is higher with azithromycin than with some other antibiotics, people with heart disease or arrhythmias should ask their doctor about trying a different antibiotic.

Azithromycin is an antibiotic that can treat many types of bacterial infection. It can also prevent these infections from getting worse or spreading.

Like all antibiotics, it presents some risks, so it is important to only take it under the guidance of a medical professional.

Drug interactions

Certain may interact with a person’s other medicines or supplements.

The symptoms of drug interactions range from mild to life threatening. Some common warning signs after taking the medication include:

  • feeling nauseous
  • feeling either very tired or very energetic

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source, drug interactions may make an antibiotic less effective or increase the action of a particular drug.

It is generally a good idea to avoid alcohol while taking antibiotics. Drinking alcohol while on certain antibiotics can decrease the effectiveness and increase the chance of antibiotic side effects.

Antibiotics that may interact with alcohol include:

  • doxycycline
  • erythromycin
  • metronidazole
  • tinidazole
  • isoniazid

To help avoid antibiotic drug interactions, people should always review newly prescribed medications with their doctor or pharmacist. Patient education inserts also list any drugs that might interact with the prescribed antibiotic.

Available forms

Azithromycin is available as a generic medication. Azithromycin is commonly administered in film-coated tablet, capsule, oral suspension, intravenous injection, granules for suspension in sachet, and ophthalmic solution






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