Category- Allopathy
Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1. To treat respiratory tract infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis. 2. To treat throat infections, such as pharyngitis and tonsillitis. 3. To treat bacterial sinus infections (sinusitis). 4. To treat genital ulcer disease (chancroid) in men 5. To treat some sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. |
| Common Side Effects | 1.Nausea 2. Vomiting 3. Stomach pain 4. Diarrhea 5. Headache 6. Dizziness |
| Additional Information | 1. It should not be given to children below 2 years 2. Do not take more than the prescribed dose. |
| Storage | 1- The medicine should be stored at room temperature 2- Keep away from sunlight and moisture 3- Keep away from the reach of children |
| How to Take This Medicine | This medication is taken orally |
Azithromycin Uses
Azithromycin 200 mg / 5 ml is an oral antibiotic medicine belonging to the category of macrolides antibiotics and is used to treat the following conditions:
- Respiratory infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis
- Throat infections, such as pharyngitis and tonsillitis
- Bacterial sinus infections (sinusitis)
- Skin infections, including cellulitis
- Genital ulcer disease (chancroid) in men
- Sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea
Directions for use
- If you forget to take this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
- Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
Azithromycin side effects
More Common
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Skin rash
Less Common
- Allergic reactions (swelling, breathing problems)
- Liver problems (yellowing of skin/eyes)
- Irregular heartbeat
How Azithromycin works
Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of bacteria. It binds to the bacterial ribosomes (the protein-making machinery) and blocks protein synthesis, which prevents the bacteria from multiplying and spreading. This helps the body’s immune system fight off and clear the infection.
Safety Measures and Warning
People allergic to Antibiotics
It can cause serious allergic reactions such as rash, swelling, or breathing problems. Always consult your doctor before taking it.
People with liver problems
Azithromycin is cleared from the body through the liver; it can make liver disease worse. Always consult your doctor before taking it.
People with serious heart problems (like irregular heartbeat or long QT interval)
Azithromycin can sometimes affect the heartbeat and make the condition dangerous. Always consult your doctor before taking it.
Azithromycin Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking Azithromycin with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases and it could be fatal:
Azithromycin Interaction with Food Product
The absorption of the medicine may decrease if taken with high-fat meals, dairy products, or aluminum/magnesium-based antacids. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and smoking at the same time, as they can change the drug’s effect and may cause severe drowsiness or sedation.
Storage
- Store the medicine at room temperature
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture
- Keep out of reach of children
Azithromycin Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name
(2R,3S,4R,5R,8R,10R,11R,12S,13S,14R)-11-[(2S,3R,4S,6R)-4-(dimethylamino)-3-hydroxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl]oxy-2-ethyl-3,4,10-trihydroxy-13-[(2R,4R,5S,6S)-5-hydroxy-4-methoxy-4,6-dimethyloxan-2-yl]oxy-3,5,6,8,10,12,14-heptamethyl-1-oxa-6-azacyclopentadecan-15-one
Intake routine/cycle
Daily dose
Take Azithromycin exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
Overdose
Don’t take more than 2000 mg of Azithromycin per day, as it may cause severe adverse effects like nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, dizziness, and irregular heartbeat. Seek medical support immediately if you experience any such overdose symptoms.
Azithromycin Summary
Azithromycin is an antibiotic from the macrolide class of medicine and is used to treat various bacterial infections, including chest infections like pneumonia and bronchitis, throat infections such as pharyngitis and tonsillitis, sinus and ear infections, skin infections including cellulitis, certain sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea, lung infections in people with chronic lung problems, eye infections (conjunctivitis). It works by blocking bacteria from making the proteins they need to grow and multiply, which weakens them and allows the body’s immune system to fight the infection.
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and skin rash, while rare but serious effects may include allergic reactions, liver problems, or irregular heartbeat. Azithromycin can be taken with or without food, but dairy products, antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, or high-fat meals may reduce absorption if taken together. It should be used with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding only under doctor supervision. In case of overdose, severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, or irregular heartbeat may occur, and immediate medical attention is needed. Always follow your doctor’s instructions when taking Azithromycin.
FAQ’s
What are the uses of Azithromycin?
It is an antibiotic used for chest infections, throat infections, sinus and ear infections, skin infections, certain sexually transmitted infections, eye infections, lung infections, and some rare infections.
What are the common side effects of Azithromycin?
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, and skin rash.
Can I take Azithromycin during pregnancy?
Azithromycin can be used only if prescribed by a doctor during pregnancy. It is generally considered safe but should be taken under medical supervision.
How does Azithromycin work?
Azithromycin is an antibiotic that works by stopping bacteria from making proteins they need to grow and multiply
What class of drug is Azithromycin?
Azithromycin belongs to the macrolide class of antibiotics.
What is the half-life of Azithromycin?
The half-life of Azithromycin is approximately 68 hours, which means it stays in the body for a long time after a single dose.
Reference
- PubChem. Azithromycin [Internet]. pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available from
- Medline Plus. Azithromycin: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2019. Available from
- DrugBank. Azithromycin [Internet]. go.drugbank.com. 2022. Available from
- Entringer S. Azithromycin Uses, Dosage & Side Effects [Internet]. Drugs.com. 2023. Available from
- Kumar K. Drugs & Medications [Internet]. www.webmd.com. 2024. Available from
Authors
Pranathi is a final year Pharm D student at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She loves learning and applying her knowledge in pharmacy and has a passion for writing, which allows her to express ideas clearly and creatively. She enjoys combining her technical skills with her love for writing and communication to make a meaningful impact. Currently she is working on a research paper about “Consanguineous marriages and its impact on children’s health” which will be published by the end of 2025.