Azithromycin

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Azithromycin is an antibiotic and is one of the most important agents in bacterial respiratory and skin diseases. The active ingredient is generally considered to be well tolerated. However, azithromycin can interact with many other drugs, which must be considered before use. Here you can read everything you need to know about azithromycin.

This is how azithromycin works

The human immune system protects the body, among other things, from the implantation and spread of invaders such as bacteria and viruses. As soon as such a pathogen finds its way into the organism, the immune system reacts immediately and fights it with various mechanisms.

As a rule, the person concerned does not even notice this or there are only slight complaints resulting from the increased activity of the immune system or the infectious agent. Sometimes the body's defenses do not succeed in fighting the pathogens immediately - the symptoms of the disease then become more serious. Then you can, if necessary, support the body's defensive struggle with medication.

In the case of bacterial infections, antibiotics such as azithromycin are used. This is a so-called macrolide antibiotic. It blocks the protein synthesis of sensitive bacteria and thus suppresses their reproduction. The immune system only has to take care of "killing" and eliminating the germs. The symptoms of the disease then improve quickly.

Uptake, breakdown and excretion

Azithromycin is only partially absorbed (approximately 40 percent) from the intestine into the blood after ingestion by mouth. The breakdown takes place in the liver. The breakdown products are excreted via the kidneys (i.e. with the urine) and the intestines (with the stool).

When is azithromycin used?

The active ingredient azithromycin is used for various clinical pictures (indications) if they are caused by correspondingly sensitive bacteria. These include:

Upper respiratory tract infections (e.g. sinusitis, tonsillitis)
Lower respiratory tract infections (e.g. bronchitis, pneumonia)
Skin and soft tissue infections
acute otitis media
certain genital infections (e.g. chlamydia)

This is how azithromycin is used

As a rule, the active ingredient in the form of tablets is taken with or without meals. In addition, suspensions and solutions are available that can either be ingested or injected into the bloodstream.

The total dose of azithromycin for respiratory infections, otitis media and skin and soft tissue infections is 1.5 grams. These are usually taken according to the scheme of a 3-day therapy: Here, 500 milligrams of azithromycin are taken once a day for three days.

For genital infections, the total dose is only one gram that can be taken at one time.

The dose of azithromycin is reduced in patients who weigh less than 45 kilograms.

What are the side effects of azithromycin?

Very often (in more than ten percent of those treated) the therapy causes gastrointestinal complaints. Azithromycin often causes side effects such as headaches, dizziness, skin rashes and visual disturbances in one to ten percent of those treated.

Sensitivity to light, liver dysfunction, kidney dysfunction, discoloration of the teeth and hearing impairment occur even less frequently.

What should be considered when taking azithromycin?

limitations

Azithromycin should be used with caution in liver dysfunction, as the active ingredient is broken down by the liver. The same applies if the blood salt values are too low (especially in the case of potassium and magnesium deficiency) and in the case of certain heart problems (QT interval prolongation, severe cardiac dysfunction, too slow heartbeat = bradycardia).

Interactions

If several drugs are taken at the same time, they can mutually influence each other's effects. The following active ingredients increase the side effects of azithromycin when used at the same time:

Ergot alkaloids (for migraines, circulatory disorders, high blood pressure and Parkinson's)
Astemizole (for allergies)
Alfentanil (used to relieve pain during surgery)

Conversely, azithromycin increases the effects of the following drugs:

Digoxin (for heart problems)
Ciclosporin (immunosuppressant)
Colchicine (e.g. for gout)

Experts recommend avoiding alcohol while taking azithromycin.

Driving and using machines

Azithromycin does not affect your ability to react. However, side effects such as dizziness and cramps can occur.

Therefore, at the beginning of treatment, a patient should observe his or her individual reaction to the drug before actively driving or operating heavy machinery.

Age restriction

Azithromycin can be administered from birth if indicated. For children and adolescents with a body weight of up to 45 kilograms, the dosage is individually adapted to the body weight.

pregnancy and breast feeding period

Azithromycin can be used during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

There is a great deal of experience in the use of azithromycin during pregnancy. It has been shown that the active ingredient has no harmful effect on the unborn child.

Azithromycin passes into breast milk, but this usually has no effect on the breastfed child. In individual cases, the stool may be thinner and, rarely, diarrhea may occur. If necessary, the milk can be pumped out and discarded during the treatment with the antibiotic and two days afterwards.

How to get azithromycin medication

Azithromycin is subject to prescription in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and is only available with a prescription from a doctor in the pharmacy. Eye drops containing azithromycin are commercially available in Germany and Austria, but not in Switzerland.

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