Azithromycin (Zithromax) is an antibiotic that can help treat certain bacterial infections. It is generally safe to use while breastfeeding, but people with heart disease should avoid this drug.
Azithromycin is an antibiotic of the macrolide group. Azithromycin was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1991.
Like all antibiotics, azithromycin only works against certain bacteria. Therefore, before taking the medicine, it is important to consult a doctor. It is not effective against viral infections or as a pain reliever.
This article provides an overview of azithromycin, including its uses, side effects, warnings, and drug interactions.
Azithromycin works against a variety of bacteria, including many from the streptococcus family. It stops the growth of harmful bacteria.
Health care providers typically prescribe this drug to treat mild to moderate infections of the lungs, sinuses, skin, and other parts of the body.
Azithromycin is a prescription drug. Therefore, people should not take it without a prescription.
This medication is available as tablets, oral suspension, eye drops, and injections. The best type and dosage depend on the infectious status of the individual.
People may take this drug with or without food. Liquid forms should be shaken well before use.
Misuse of antibiotics can lead to the development of resistant strains of bacteria, meaning that antibiotics no longer work on them. This is called antibiotic resistance.
Like all medicines, azithromycin has certain side effects. Usually they are secondary. In clinical trials, only 0.7% of people stopped taking Azithromax due to side effects.
People with myasthenia gravis, a disease that causes muscle weakness, may experience worsening symptoms or breathing problems.
Before taking azithromycin, a person should talk to their doctor about any existing heart, kidney, and liver problems, including an irregular heartbeat, especially QT interval prolongation.
A large cohort study in 2012 found a slightly increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease in people taking azithromycin. People with other risk factors for heart disease, such as smoking, low physical activity, and a high body mass index (BMI), are at higher risk.
The study reported that, compared with amoxicillin, azithromycin was associated with 47 additional deaths from cardiovascular disease per 1 million prescriptions. Among those at highest risk for cardiovascular disease, 245 died for every million courses of azithromycin taken.
This suggests that other antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, may be safer for people with heart disease or certain types of arrhythmias.
In 2018, the FDA issued a warning regarding the long-term use of azithromycin in patients with certain blood or lymph node cancers who have received stem cell transplants. New research suggests that azithromycin may increase the risk of cancer recurrence in these people.
After a stem cell transplant, some people take azithromycin to reduce their risk of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, an inflammatory lung disease. However, the FDA has not approved azithromycin for this use.
In rare cases, azithromycin can cause hepatotoxicity. People should stop taking this drug and call their doctor if they develop any symptoms of liver problems, including dark urine, itching, or yellowing of the eyes.
In neonates under 42 days of age, azithromycin can cause a dangerous condition called infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. Nurses should see a doctor if a baby becomes restless or vomits while feeding.
For example, taking azithromycin at the same time as taking nelfinavir, a drug that helps treat HIV, increases the risk of liver abnormalities and hearing problems.
Before taking azithromycin, a person should tell their doctor about all current medications, supplements, and remedies. Always check with your doctor before stopping medication.
Studies in animals treated with high doses of azithromycin have not shown an increased risk of miscarriage or birth defects.
However, no high-quality studies have been conducted in pregnant women, so the drug label currently states: “Azithromycin should be used during pregnancy only if absolutely necessary.”
Azithromycin can pass into breast milk and remain there for up to 48 hours after the last dose. While it is generally safe to use azithromycin while breastfeeding, azithromycin may cause diarrhea, vomiting, or rash in some babies.
Before taking azithromycin, you should tell your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If an infant experiences side effects when a parent is taking azithromycin, seek medical advice.
Post time: Aug-10-2023