Azithromycin is an antibiotic widely used in clinical practice to treat infections caused by bacteria, such as skin infections, sinusitis, rhinitis and pneumonia, in addition, this antibiotic can also be used in the treatment of sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. For example.
This antibiotic works in the body inhibiting the production of proteins by these bacteria, preventing their growth and reproduction, eliminating them from the body. This medicine can be purchased in tablet form or drinkable suspension, under the trade names Zitroflam, Azitrocin and Atoxitom. For example, azithromycin is only sold with a prescription.
Azithromycin is mainly used to treat bacterial infections that cause
In addition, this drug can be used in the treatment of sexually transmitted infections, having effects mainly on Chlamydia trachomatis, Haemophilus ducreyi and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which are responsible respectively for chlamydia, soft chancro and gonorrée.
According to some studies in France [1] and other countries, azithromycin seems to help treat infection with the new coronavirus, especially when associated with hydroxychloroquine.
In some countries, the use of azithromycin, in combination with hydroxychloroquine [2], has been approved to treat patients with mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19, always with the advice of a physician and the consent of the person.
In addition, poor studies are being conducted to understand the true effectiveness of azithromycin against the new coronavirus, as well as to identify its long-term effects. Learn more about the drugs under study to treat the new coronavirus.
The dose of azithromycin depends on the age and severity of the infection, for example:
Dosage for adults: for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases produced by Chlamydia trachomatis, Haemophilus ducreyi or Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the recommended doses are 1000 mg, in single dose, orally.
For all other indications, the total dose of 1500 mg should be administered in daily doses of 500 mg, for 3 days, another alternative is the same total dose administered 5 days, in a single dose of 500 mg on the first day and 250 mg. once a second on the fifth day.
Dosage in children: generally, total doses in infants of 30 mg / kg, administered in a single daily dose of 10 mg / kg, for 3 days can be administered the same total dose for 5 days, in a single dose of 10 mg / kg. kg on the first day and 5 mg / kg once every other day on the fifth day. In general, for the treatment of children with acute otitis media, a single dose of 30 mg / kg can be administered. Do not exceed the daily dose. 500 mg.
In some cases, your doctor may change the doses of azithromycin in children and adults. It is important that the antibiotic is used as directed by your doctor, without having to stop any other indications, which could lead to bacterial resistance and the development of complications.
The side effects most associated with the use of azithromycin are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, need for consistency, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea and gas. In addition, there may be seas, drowsiness and loss of appetite. Learn 5 ways to fight diarrhea with antibiotics.
Azithromycin does not prevent the contraceptive effect, however, it can cause an imbalance of the gut microbiota, causing diarrhea and preventing the correct absorption of the contraceptive, so if there is diarrhea within the first 4 hours of taking the contraceptive, there may be a risk of reduced effect of the pill.
The use of azithromycin is contraindicated in people allergic to one of the components of the formula of the medicine and if it is used during lactation and must be prescribed by the obstetrician.
In addition, it is not recommended for people with hepatic, renal or cardiovascular system alterations due to possible side effects and the process of absorption and metabolism of the drug.