Azithromycin is a drug to treat bacterial infections in various organs and parts of the body, such as the respiratory tract, eyes, skin, and genitals. This medicine should only be used with a doctor's prescription.
Azithromycin is available in the form of tablets, capsules, suspensions, and injections. This macrolide class of antibiotics works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This drug cannot be used to treat viral infections.
Azithromycin trademarks: Azithromycin Dihydrate, Infimycin, Zithromax IV, Zithrolan, Zistic, Mezatrin 500, Zithromax, Zithromed, and Zibramax.
What's that Azithromycin?
| group | Macrolide antibiotics |
| Category | Prescription drugs |
| Benefit | Treating bacterial infections |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Azithromycin for pregnant and lactating women | Category B: Studies in animal studies have not shown any risk to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. The drug should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Azithromycin may be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablets, capsules, suspensions, eye drops, and injections. |
Precautions Before Using Azithromycin
- Do not take or use azithromycin if you have a history of allergy to azithromycin or to other macrolide antibiotics, such as erythromycin and clarithromycin.
- Tell the doctor if you suffer myasthenia gravis, arrhythmias, and renal and hepatic impairment.
- Tell your doctor if you are going to have any vaccinations, especially the typhoid vaccine.
- Tell your doctor if you will have surgery or other medical procedures.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, supplements, or herbal ingredients.
- If you have an allergic reaction or overdose after taking or using this medicine, see a doctor immediately.
Dosage and Use of Azithromycin
The dose of azithromycin will be given by the doctor according to the type of infection.
Condition: Pneumonia
The dose of azithromycin in capsules and tablets for adults is 500 mg on the first day, followed by 250 mg once daily on days 2 to 5.
The dose of azithromycin in the form of a suspension for patients 6 years and older is 10 mg/kg on the first day, followed by 5 mg/kg/day on days 2 to 5.
The dose of azithromycin in the form of an injection for adults is 500 mg, once a day, for at least 2 days. Followed by tablets or capsules of 500 mg for 7-10 days.
Condition: Conjunctivitis due to bacterial infection
The dose of azithromycin in the form of eye drops for adult patients and children over 1 year is 1 drop into the eye, 2 times a day, for 2 days. Then, continue with 1 drop, once a day, for 5 days.
Condition: Acute otitis media
The dose of azithromycin in the form of a suspension for children older than 6 months is the initial dose of 30 mg/kgBW/day or 10 mg/kgBW/day, for 3 days.
Condition: Sinusitis
The dose of azithromycin in the form of tablets and suspension for adults is 500 mg, once a day, for 3 days.
The dose of azithromycin in the form of a suspension for children is 10 mg/kg BW/day, for 3 days.
Condition: Respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and soft tissue infections
The dose of azithromycin in tablet form for adults is 500 mg per day, for 3 days.
The dose of azithromycin suspension for children older than 6 months is 10 mg/kgBW/day, for 3 days.
Condition: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
The dose of azithromycin in injectable form for adult patients is 500 mg per day, for 1-2 days, followed by oral medication at a dose of 250 mg per day, for up to 7 days.
Condition: Genital infection due to chlamydia trachomatis (chancroid)
The dose of azithromycin in the form of tablets for adults is 1 g in a single dose.
Condition: Gonorrhea
The dose of azithromycin oral form for adults is 1-2 grams in a single dose, combined with cefriaxone.
Condition: TB prevention
The dose of azithromycin in tablet form for adults is 1.2 g per week
How to Use Azithromycin Correctly
Use azithromycin as directed by your doctor. Azithromycin in the form of an injection will be given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.
If azithromycin is in a capsule, tablet, or suspension, swallow this medication with a glass of water.
If the azithromycin is in the form of a dry syrup or powder suspension, place it in a glass filled with one-fourth of the water. Stir until everything is dissolved and use as directed by your doctor.
This medicine can be taken with or without food. Use this remedy at the same time every day, for maximum results.
If you forget to take this medicine immediately when you remember it. If it is near the time of your next dose, do not double or increase your dose without your doctor's instructions.
Store azithromycin at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. Do not put the medicine in the refrigerator or freeze it. Keep out of reach of children.
Make sure you finish all the medication your doctor has given you, even if your symptoms improve. This is done to prevent the bacteria from becoming resistant to antibiotics, which can cause the infection to recur. If the condition does not improve after the drug wears off, consult a doctor.
Azithromycin Interactions with Other Drugs
There are a number of drug interactions that can occur if azithromycin is used in combination with other drugs, including:
- Increased levels of digoxin, ciclosporin, terfenadine, and colchicine in the blood.
- Increased risk of bleeding, if used with anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin.
- Increased risk of QT prolongation, if used with antiarrhythmic drugs, such as quinidine, amiodarone and terfenadine, and diuretic drugs.
Side Effects and Dangers of Azithromycin
Some of the common side effects after using azithromycin include:
- Headache
- Nauseous
- Throw up
- Stomach ache
- Diarrhea
Some serious side effects that can occur after taking or using Azithromycin are:
- Decreased hearing ability or deafness.
- Blurred vision or difficulty lifting the eyelids.
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking.
- Weakness in muscles.
- Fast and irregular heartbeat.
- A liver disorder characterized by fatigue, severe nausea and vomiting, and discolored eyes and skin
Check with your doctor if you experience the symptoms mentioned above. You are also advised to go to the doctor immediately if you experience an allergic reaction to the drug such as an itchy rash, swelling of the lips and eyes, and difficulty breathing.