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 in the body by inhibiting the production of proteins by these bacteria, preventing them from growing and reproducing, leading to their elimination. This drug can be purchased in tablet form or drinkable suspension, being available on the market under the trademarks Azi, Zithromax, Astro and Azimix for a price of about 10 to 50 reais, which depends on the laboratory in which it is made. form and dosage.
Azithromycin is only sold with a prescription
The antibiotic azithromycin is primarily used to treat infections caused by bacteria, which cause:
In addition, this drug can be used to treat sexually transmitted diseases, mainly against Chlamydia trachomatis, Haemophilus ducreyi and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, responsible respectively for chlamydia, lunar cancer and gonorrhea.
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 addition, in Brazil, the Federal Medical Council also approved the use of this antibiotic [2], in combination with hydroxychloroquine, to treat patients with COVID-19, with mild to moderate symptoms, subject to the advice of a doctor and with the consent of the person himself.
However, further 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 being studied for the new coronavirus.
The dose of azithromycin depends on the age and severity of the infection. I 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 one shot, orally.
For all other indications, the total dose of 1500 mg should be administered 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 the first day and 250 mg, once daily, from second to fifth day.
Use in children: in general, the total dose in children is 30 mg / kg, administered in 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. 10 mg/kg on the 1st day and 5 mg/kg, once daily, from 2 to 5 days. Alternatively, for the treatment of children with acute otitis media, a single dose of 30 mg /kg may be administered. The daily dose of 500 mg should not be exceeded.
In some cases, your doctor may change the dose of azithromycin in children and adults. It is important that the antibiotic is used as directed by your doctor and should not be discontinued without indication, as it may cause bacterial resistance and complications.
The most common side effects associated with the use of azithromycin are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, soft stools, abdominal discomfort, constipation or diarrhea and gas. In addition, dizziness, drowsiness and loss of appetite may occur.
Also know what to eat to reduce side effects
Azithromycin does not stop the contraceptive effect, however it can cause an imbalance of the gut microbiota, causing diarrhea and preventing the correct absorption of the contraceptive. Therefore, if there is diarrhea within 4 hours of taking the contraceptive, there may be a risk that the effectiveness of the pill may be reduced.
The use of azithromycin is contraindicated for people allergic to any of the components of the formula of the medicine and should only be used during pregnancy and lactation if indicated by the obstetrician.
In addition, it is not recommended for people with liver, kidney and cardiovascular diseases due to possible side effects and the process of absorption and metabolization of the drug.