What is azithromycin?
Azithromycin is a broad spectrum antibiotic from the macrolide group. It is frequently used for treating chlamydia infections, but can also be used in other bacterial diseases such as respiratory infections, skin infections and certain sexual diseases.
A particular advantage of aziithromycin is simple use: in Chlamydia, a single dose of 1000 mg (1 gram) is often sufficient. The antibiotic is enriched in tissue and acts several days after taking.
Azithromycin is well tolerated and has less interaction than other antibiotics.
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Azithromycin
Azithromycin acts bacteriostatic – it inhibits the growth of bacteria:
Active mechanism: The antibiotic binds to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosomes and thus inhibits the protein synthesis of the bacteria. Without new proteins, the bacteria cannot multiply and are eliminated by the immune system.
Specialty of the macrolide:
- Long half-life (40-68 hours)
- Enriches in cells (intracellularly active)
- Stay active in tissue for days
- Therefore, only one single dose is often required
Activity spectrum: Azithromycin acts against many Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and against intracellular pathogens such as chlamydia, mycoplasms and legionella.
Who is it suitable for?
Azithromycin is suitable for:
- Uncomplicated genitar chlamydia infection
- Unspecific urethritis
- Certain respiratory infections
- Skin infections
- As part of the combination therapy at Gonorrhoea
Most suitable for STI: Chlamydia infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. Azithromycin is a means of choice because of simple one-time treatment.
Not suitable for:
- Heavy liver disease
- Known allergy to macrolide
- Certain heart rhythm disorders (QT extension)
Available Dosages
Clamydia infection:
- 1000 mg (1 g) as a single dose
- Alternatively: 500 mg day 1, then 250 mg day 2-5
For Gonorrhoe (in combination):
- 2000 mg (2 g) single dose together with ceftriaxone injection
For respiratory infections:
- Or 500 mg daily for 3 days
Available starches:
- 250 mg tablets
- 500 mg tablets
- 500 mg bag (grain to suspension)
How to Take
Clamydia:
- Take all tablets together with water
- Can be taken independently of meals
- For best compatibility: with or after eating
For multiple dosing:
- Take about the same time every day
- Take all prescribed amount, even if symptoms disappear
Important notes:
- 7 days after treatment no unprotected sex
- Partners should be treated
- After 3-4 weeks recommended
- No milk products 2 hours before/after taking (for suspensions)
Contraindications
**Azithromycin must not be taken at:* *
- hypersensitivity to aziithromycin or other macrolides
- Heavy liver failure
- Known QT extension or treatment with medications that prolong QT
- Hypokaliemia (too low potassium level)
Preview at:
- Light to medium liver malfunctions
- Kidney malfunction
- Myasthenia gravis (can deteriorate symptoms)
- Heart rhythm disorders
pregnant and breastfeeding: Azithromycin can be used after strict indication in pregnancy. It goes into breast milk.
Possible Side Effects
Acid (1-10%):
- nausea
- diarrhea
- stomach pain
- Break.
- Headaches
** Occasionally (0,1-1%):* *
- Squeeze
- Taste disorders
- Skin rash
- joint pain
- fatigue
Selten, but seriously:
- Heavy allergic reactions
- QT extension (heart rhythm disorder)
- Liver problems
- Pseudomembranous colitis
** The gastrointestinal complaints are usually mild and temporary. Taking with food can help.
Interactions
Not combine with:
- Ergotamine/dihydroergotamine (migrenum) – heavy vascular spasms
- Certain antiarrhythmics (QT extension)
- Colchicin – increased toxicity
Preview at:
- Warfarin – increased bleeding
- Ciclosporin – increased ciclosporin levels
- Digoxin – increased digoxin level
- Statine – increased rhabdomyolysis risk
No relevant influence:
- Antibabypille (other than some other antibiotics)
- Most popular medicines
Similar Medications
Is azithromycin right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor. Read the package leaflet before use.