Azithromycin

Generic name: azithromycin [ a-ZITH-roe-MYE-sin ]
Brand names: Azasite, Azithromycin 3 Day Dose Pack, Azithromycin 5 Day Dose Pack, Zithromax, Zithromax TRI-PAK, Zithromax Z-Pak, Zmax
Drug class: Macrolides

Drug class: Macrolide antibiotic

Dosage form: Tablet, Capsule, Suspension (oral), Powder for injection

Route of administration: Oral, Intravenous

Dose:

• Oral tablets: 250 mg, 500 mg, 600 mg
• Oral suspension: 100 mg/5 mL, 200 mg/5 mL
• Intravenous solution: 500 mg as a preservative-free solution for reconstitution

Mechanism of action: Azithromycin inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50s ribosomal subunit, thereby preventing peptide translocation.

Drug usage cases: Azithromycin is used to treat various bacterial infections, including respiratory infections, skin infections, ear infections, and sexually transmitted infections such as Chlamydia. It is also used for the prevention and treatment of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection.

Drug contra indications: Contraindicated in patients with a history of allergic reactions to azithromycin, erythromycin, or any other macrolide or ketolide antibiotic.

Side effects: Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Rare but more serious side effects include allergic reactions, QT prolongation (a type of irregular heart rhythm), and hearing loss.

Warnings: Patients with pre-existing liver disease, kidney disease, or heart rhythm problems should use azithromycin with caution. The drug can also interact with other medications, so it’s important to tell your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Azithromycin should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. It is generally considered safe during breastfeeding, but you should discuss this with your healthcare provider.

Azithromycin is widely used due to its effectiveness, long half-life that allows for once-daily dosing, and a broad spectrum of activity against many types of bacteria. However, resistance to azithromycin is increasing among certain bacterial species, so its use should be based on the susceptibility patterns of the specific bacteria causing the infection.