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Azithromycin - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

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Information about Azithromycin

Generic Name : Azithromycin
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Azithromycin are provided here.

Pronunciation : ay-ZITH-roe-MYE-sin

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Azithromycin, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.
You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.


ICD Code : Y40.3 Therapeutic Classification : Antibiotics

Trade Names/Brand Names of Azithromycin

India :

International :


Zithromax

Why is Azithromycin Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is a macrolide antibiotic used for various bacterial infections such as infections of the middle ear, throat, bronchus, sinuses, skin and soft tissue. It is also useful in treating pneumonia, typhoid, gonorrhoea, granuloma inguinale and chancroid. It prevents bacterial growth.

When should Azithromycin not be taken? (Contraindications)

Hypersensitivity.

What is the dosage of Azithromycin?

Adult: PO- Respiratory tract, Skin and soft tissue infections- 500 mg once daily for 3 days. Or 500mg on day 1 followed by 250mg on days 2 to 5.
Typhoid- 500 mg once daily for 7 days.
Uncomplicated gonorrhoea- 2 g single dose.
Granuloma inguinale- Initial: 1 g, then 500 mg/day until all lesions has healed completely.
Chancroid/Chlamydial urethritis: 1 g single dose Prophylaxis of disseminated MAC infections 1.2 g once weekly. Treatment or secondary prophylaxis: administered along with other antimycobacterials: 500 mg once daily.

How should Azithromycin be taken?

It comes as a tablet and liquid to take by mouth, with or without food.

What are the warnings and precautions for Azithromycin?

•Caution should be exercised in patients with history of cystic fibrosis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), irregular heartbeat, or kidney or liver disease, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

What are the side effects of Azithromycin?

Heart- Chest pain, abnormal heart rate, low blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm with QT prolongation and torsades de pointes.
Gastrointestinal- Indigestion, loss of appetite, flatulence, gastritis, loose stools, vomiting, colitis and constipation.
Genitourinary- Kidney failure and vaginal inflammation.
Blood- Decrease in platelets.
Liver- Abnormal liver function, jaundice and liver failure.
Central Nervous System- Weakness, tingling, fatigue, uneasiness, dizziness/vertigo, headache, drowsiness, hyperactivity, nervousness, agitation and syncope.
Skin- Itching, severe allergic reactions, irritation, fungal infection, sweating, hives and blistering.
ENT- Hearing loss and/or tinnitus, abnormalities in taste and smell sensation.
Hypersensitivity - Allergic reaction.
Respiratory- Increased cough, inflammation of pharynx, pleural effusion and rhinitis.

What are the other precautions for Azithromycin?

Avoid excess dosage.

What are the storage conditions for Azithromycin?

Intravenous: Store below 30°C. Store it in room temperature and in an airtight container. Keep away from children and pets.

Azithromycin: Antibacterial Drug for Pneumonia, Typhoid and Other Bacterial Infections

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