Azithromycin Tablet: Benefits, Uses, Cost and Risks Factors

Azithromycin, an antibiotic that fights against bacteria, should always be consumed when prescribed by a healthcare professional. It is used to treat bacterial infections such as bronchitis, eye infections, ear infections, sexually transmitted diseases, and more. However, refrain from using this medication if you have liver ailments or jaundice. 

For more information about Azithromycin, refer to this blog and seek guidance from a doctor.

What is an Azithromycin Antibiotic?

History and Facts

The drug Azithromycin was discovered in 1980 by a group of scientists at the Pliva pharmaceutical company in Zagreb, Croatia, including Gorjana Radobolja-Lazarevski, Zrinka Tamburaev, and Slobodan Oki. 

It was patented in 1981 by Pliva. A licensing agreement was signed between Pliva and Pfizer in 1986, giving Pfizer sole authority to sell Azithromycin in Western Europe and the US. 

In 1988, Pliva launched the brand Summed of Azithromycin in Central and Eastern Europe. In 1991, Pfizer introduced Azithromycin under the trade name Zithromax in other markets with a license from Pliva. In 2005, the patent protection expired.

In India, Azithromycin is known by its brand name Zithromax. It is used to treat bacterial and fungal infections. But, mainly, it is used to treat skin and throat infections. For example, during the Covid19 pandemic, many doctors used it to soothe the symptoms of covid19. However, no governing institute has granted permission for the use of Zithromax to treat Covid19.

Why Do Doctors Prescribe Azithromycin?

Certain bacterial infections, including bronchitis, pneumonia, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and disease of the lungs, skin, ears, throat, sinuses, and reproductive organs, get treated with Azithromycin. [1] 

The drug Azithromycin belongs to the group of drugs known as macrolide antibiotics. It aids in preventing bacterial growth. A form of lung infection, Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC) infection, which frequently affects patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), is another condition that Azithromycin treats and helps to prevent.

Colds, the flu, or other viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics like Azithromycin. In addition, antibiotic overuse increases the likelihood that you'll develop an infection later on that is resistant to antibiotic treatment.

Azithromycin Tablet Uses

Azithromycin tablet uses include the following:

• Specific respiratory infections such as pneumonia and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), which inflame the lungs 
• Nose infections like sinusitis
• Throat infections, such as Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis
• Sexually transmitted illnesses like urethritis, cervicitis, and chlamydia
• Skin infections like Lyme disease
• Specific childhood ear infections
• Gastroenteritis
• Ailments brought on by ticks like babesiosis
• Traveller's diarrhoea

Azithromycin Price

Azithromycin is available in India under the name of Zithromax. It is available for Rs. 100 per strip. There are a total of three tablets of 500 MG in each strip.

How should Azithromycin be used?

Never exceed or decrease the dosage that your doctor has advised. As directed, take the Azithromycin tablet at regular intervals. 

Never miss a dose. Even after you start to feel better, keep taking it. You must finish the entire antibiotic course. If you don't, the infection won't completely go away. 

If you get capsules, take them with lots of water, preferably on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after eating. 

If you have to get tablets, ensure to drink plenty of water while you do so. You can have tablets with food or on an empty stomach. If you experience any stomach discomfort, take them after eating. 

Azithromycin uses also include taking the drug in an oral suspension. Shake it well before using it to ensure the liquid is well-blended. To measure your Azithromycin dose, use the provided measuring spoon or cup. 

Risk Factors and Precautions associated with Azithromycin

Risk Factors

• Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or loose stools can happen
• Severe side effects, such as hearing loss, eye problems (such as drooping eyelids or blurred vision), difficulty speaking or swallowing, muscle weakness, or symptoms of liver disease (such as persistent nausea or vomiting, unusual tiredness, excruciating stomach pain, yellowness of the skin or eyes, or dark urine) may show up
• Seek immediate medical attention if you experience side effects, such as fast or irregular heartbeat, extreme drowsiness, or fainting
• Rarely, a severe intestinal condition caused by the bacteria C.difficile may be brought on by this medication. This condition could occur during treatment or weeks to months after the treatment
• If you experience diarrhoea that doesn't stop, abdominal or stomach pain, or blood or mucus in your stool, immediately call your doctor. In addition, if you experience these symptoms, avoid using anti-diarrhoea or opioid products because they may exacerbate your condition
• Oral thrush or fresh yeast infection may develop if this medication is used frequently or for extended periods. [2] If you see any white patches in your mouth, a change in your vaginal discharge, or any other fresh symptoms, contact your doctor
• Seldom will this medicine cause a very grave allergic reaction. However, if you experience any signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as persistent fever, rash, new or worsening lymph node swelling, itching, dizziness, swelling (especially of the tongue, throat, or face), or trouble breathing, look for medical attention immediately
• Even if you discontinue the medication, an allergic reaction to it might come back. After your last dose, watch out for the symptoms to determine if you had an allergic reaction

Precautions

• Individual patients should take this medicine at the dose and duration recommended by their healthcare professional for the best results
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist about allergies before taking Azithromycin or allergies to other antibiotics (such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, and telithromycin)
• Before taking this medication, let your doctor or pharmacist know if you have ever had liver disease, kidney disease, or a specific type of muscle disease (myasthenia gravis)
• Azithromycin can bring on a condition, QT prolongation, that affects the heart rhythm. Rarely, QT prolongation can result in a fast/irregular heartbeat that is serious (rarely fatal) and other symptoms like severe dizziness and fainting that require immediate medical attention
• Typhoid and other live bacterial vaccines may not function well when taken with Azithromycin. Before receiving immunizations or vaccinations, let your doctor know you are taking Azithromycin
• QT prolongation and other side effects of this medication, particularly in older adults, maybe more severe
• This medication should be taken during pregnancy only if necessary. Also, before breastfeeding, speak with your doctor

Azithromycin Storage, Disposal and Other Information

Azithromycin tablets, suspension, and extended-release suspension should all be kept at room temperature and away from sources/places of extreme heat and moisture, such as a bathroom. Keep this medication in a tightly closed container and out of the reach of children. The extended-release liquid should not be frozen or chilled. Any Azithromycin suspension left over after ten days or when no longer required should be thrown away.

Unused medications must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and others from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How is Azithromycin taken?

The dosage of Azithromycin that the doctor recommends will depend on your health. There are several dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, eye drops, and liquid suspension. It is administered intravenously to patients with chronic infections.

2. Is Azithromycin effective for sore throats?

Sore throats can result from viral or bacterial infection and may need to be treated with antibiotics. Doctors generally recommend them for sore throat treatment. Azithromycin is advised in exceptional circumstances, such as when a patient has a penicillin or amoxicillin allergy.

3. How does Azithromycin function?

Bacteria need a particular protein to grow and multiply. Protein production is halted by Azithromycin binding to the bacterial ribosome and inhibiting protein synthesis. Bacteria cannot grow or replicate in the absence of protein. It eliminates the bacteria and lessens bacterial infection.

4. For what purposes is Azithromycin 500 used?

5. Can Azithromycin make you sleepy?

Antibiotics containing Azithromycin do not make you sleepy. However, it may make you drowsy if you are taking any other medication. To find a different treatment option, speak with your doctor if you experience drowsiness, extreme fatigue, sleep issues, or other side effects.