Azithromycin is an antibiotic widely used in clinical practice to fight infections caused by bacteria, such as skin infections, sinusitis, rhinitis and pneumonia, for example. In addition, this antibiotic may also be recommended in the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, such as Gonorrhea and Chlamydia, for example.
Azithromycin acts on the body by inhibiting the production of proteins by these bacteria, preventing them from growing and reproducing, resulting in their elimination. This medicine can be purchased as a tablet or oral suspension and is available on the market under the trade names Azi, Zithromax, Astro and Azimix for a price of about 10 to 50 reais depending on the laboratory in which it was produced, pharmaceutical form and dosage.
Azithromycin is only sold on prescription.
What is it for
The antibiotic azithromycin is used primarily for the treatment of infections caused by bacteria, which cause:
- Respiratory infections, such as sinusitis, rhinitis, bronchitis or pneumonia;
- Ear infection, such as otitis media;
- Infections in the skin or soft tissues, such as abscesses, boils or infected ulcers;
- Genital or urinary infections, such as urethritis or cervicitis.
In addition, this medication can be used to treat sexually transmitted diseases, mainly fighting Chlamydia trachomatis, Haemophilus ducreyi and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which are the causative agents of Chlamydia, Soft canker and Gonorrhea, respectively.
How to use
The dosage of azithromycin depends on the age and severity of the infection. Like this:
Use in adults: for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, Haemophilus ducreyi or Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the recommended dose is 1000 mg in a single oral dose.
For all other indications, the total dose of 1500 mg should be given in daily doses of 500 mg for 3 days. Alternatively, the same total dose may be administered for 5 days in a single dose of 500 mg on day 1 and 250 mg once daily from day 2 to day 5.
Use in Children: The total dose in children is generally 30 mg / kg given as a single daily dose of 10 mg / kg for 3 days or the same total dose can be administered for 5 days in a single dose of 10 mg / kg on the 1st day and 5 mg / kg, once daily, from the 2nd to the 5th day. Alternatively, for the treatment of children with acute otitis media, a single dose of 30 mg / kg may be administered. Do not exceed the daily dose of 500 mg.
In some cases, the doctor may change the dosage of azithromycin in children and adults. It is important that the antibiotic be used as directed by the physician, and should not be suspended without indication as it may lead to bacterial resistance and complications.
Side effects
The most common side effects associated with the use of Azithromycin are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loose stools, abdominal discomfort, constipation or diarrhea and gas. In addition, dizziness, drowsiness, and loss of appetite may occur.
See also what to eat to lessen the side effects.
Does azithromycin cut the contraceptive effect?
Azithromycin does not cut off the contraceptive effect, however, it may cause imbalance of the intestinal microbiota, resulting in diarrhea and preventing the correct absorption of the contraceptive. Therefore, if there is diarrhea within 4 hours after taking the contraceptive, there may be a risk that the efficacy of the pill may be reduced.
Who should not use
The use of Azithromycin is contraindicated for people with allergy to any component of the drug formulation and should only be used during pregnancy and during breastfeeding if guided by the obstetrician.
In addition, it is not recommended for people with liver, kidney, and cardiovascular system disorders due to possible side effects and drug absorption and metabolism.
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