Azithromycin is an antibiotic related to erythromycin. It is prescribed for adults to treat certain mild to moderate skin infections; upper and lower respiratory tract infections, including pharyngitis (strep throat), tonsillitis, sinus infections, worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pneumonia; sexually transmitted infections of the cervix or urinary tract; and genital ulcer disease in men. In children, Azithromycin is used to treat middle ear infection, pneumonia, tonsillitis, and strep throat.
There is a possibility of rare but very serious reactions to Azithromycin, including angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, and neck that impedes speaking, swallowing, and breathing), anaphylaxis (a violent, even fatal allergic reaction), and serious skin diseases. If you develop these symptoms, stop taking Azithromycin and call your doctor immediately.
Take Azithromycin capsules at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Azithromycin tablets and oral suspension can be taken with or without food. Do not take any form with an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium, such as Di-Gel, Gelusil, Maalox, and others.
If you are using single-dose packets of Azithromycin powder for oral suspension, mix the entire contents of each packet with 2 ounces of water, drink immediately, then add an additional 2 ounces of water, mix again, and drink to make sure you've taken the entire dose. When giving the pediatric suspension, shake the bottle thoroughly before each use and measure the dose with the supplied calibrated dropper. Use the pediatric suspension within 10 days and throw out any that remains.
Zithromax capsules and suspension contain the active ingredient azithromycin, which is a type of drug called a macrolide antibiotic. (NB. Azithromycin is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic drug.) Azithromycin is used to treat infections caused by bacteria.
Azithromycin works by preventing bacteria from producing proteins that are essential to them. Without these proteins the bacteria cannot grow, replicate and increase in numbers. Azithromycin therefore stops the spread of infection and remaining bacteria are killed by the body's immune system or eventually die.
Azithromycin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is active against a wide variety of bacteria that cause a wide variety of infections. Azithromycin may be used to treat infections of the upper or lower airways, skin or soft tissue, or ears. It is also be used to treat the sexually-transmitted infection chlamydia.
To make sure the bacteria causing an infection are susceptible to azithromycin your doctor may take a tissue sample, for example a swab from the throat or skin.
Why is this drug prescribed?
- chlamydia;
- bacterial infections of the skin or soft tissue;
- bacterial infections of the nasal passages sinuses or throat (upper respiratory tract infection eg sinusitis tonsillitis pharyngitis);
- bacterial infections of the middle ear (otitis media);
- bacterial infection of the lungs and airways (chest or lower respiratory tract infection eg pneumonia bronchitis);
- nausea or vomiting;
- diarrhea or loose stools;
- weakness or loss of strength (asthenia);
- thrush infections;
- sleepiness (somnolence);
- seizures (convulsions);
- pins and needles (paraesthesia);
- pain in the joints (arthralgia);
- loss of appetite;
- liver or kidney disorders;
- hyperactivity;
- hearing distubances;
- headache;
- dizziness;
- disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea constipation indigestion nausea vomiting or abdominal pain;
- decrease in the number of platelets or white blood cells in the blood;
- awareness of your heartbeat (palpitations);
- anxiety and agitation;
- allergic skin reactions;
- abnormal reaction of the skin to light usually a rash (photosensitivity);
- abnormal heart beats (arrhythmias);
- abdominal pain;
ADULTS
Pneumonia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Tonsillitis, Strep Throat, and Skin Infections
The usual dose of Azithromycin is 500 mg in a single dose the first day. This is followed by 250 mg once daily for the next 4 days. Alternatively, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may be prescribed 500 mg a day for 3 days.
Sinus Infection
The usual dose of Azithromycin is 500 mg once a day for 3 days.
Genital Ulcer Disease
The usual dose is a single gram (1,000 mg) one time only.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
The usual dose is a single 2-gram (2,000 mg) dose.
CHILDREN
Middle Ear Infection
For children aged 6 months and up, treatment may be given three ways. One option is a single dose of 30 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight. Another option is a dose of 10 mg per 2.2 pounds given each day for 3 days. Azithromycin can also be given over a period of 5 days, starting with a dose of 10 mg per 2.2 pounds on the first day and continuing with daily doses of 5 mg per 2.2 pounds for the next 4 days.
Sinus Infection
For children aged 6 months and up, the usual dose is 10 mg of Azithromycin suspension per 2.2 pounds of body weight given once daily for 3 days.
Pneumonia
For children aged 6 months and up, the usual dose is 10 mg of Azithromycin suspension per 2.2 pounds of body weight in a single dose the first day, followed by 5 mg per 2.2 pounds for the next 4 days.
Strep Throat and Tonsillitis
For children aged 2 years and up, the usual dose is 12 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight once daily for 5 days.
