Azithromycin

What is Azithromycin?

Azithromycin is an antibiotic commonly known by the brand name, Azee. For better or for worse, it’s one of the most frequently prescribed medications in the United States. In fact, it was the most prescribed medicine in the country in 2015. It’s prescribed to treat and prevent a wide variety of bacterial infections. This very common antibiotic is used to treat bacterial infections. It’s commonly used in the treatment of sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, tonsillitis, urinary tract infections (UTIs), staphylococcal infections, and even certain sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea.

Uses of Azithromycin

Azithromycin is used for bacterial infections, especially when they’re resistant to antibiotics. And in some cases, it’s also used as a treatment for sinusitis and bronchitis. This very common antibiotic is used to treat bacterial infections. It’s commonly used in the treatment of sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, tonsillitis, urinary tract infections (UTIs), staphylococcal infections, and even certain sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea. The FDA says to take azithromycin if it’s prescribed by a doctor who believes it can be used to treat bacterial infections, including certain sexually transmitted diseases. You may also need to take it if a doctor believes it can treat an infection caused by pneumonia or other bloodstream infections. It’s also called a fluoroquinolone antibacterial.

Some examples of things it may be used for:

• Strep throat
• Urinary tract infection
• Meningitis
• Bacterial infections of the lungs and ear
• Hepatitis A and B
• Viruses, including HIV and hepatitis

How long does Azithromycin take to work?

It takes 3-5 days to be fully effective. Once it’s finished, it’s “yellow fever-free” — as in it won’t make you sick in the next 6-8 weeks. It will probably take a full cycle to work. For some, though, the dose can be reduced. So after 7-10 days, it can be taken at twice the dose or one-half.

How do I take Azithromycin?

You can take Azithromycin if your doctor says it’s safe, but it might not work as well. It might be a good idea to take a couple of weeks before you leave because you’re less likely to have interactions with some medications.

You can take it with a glass of water. Drink it slowly. Make sure you drink the whole glass of water in 30 seconds.

This is to get the drug mechanism incorporated into your body. You should take this medicine as directed. You must drink the water within 10-15 minutes.

You take it daily for at least 10 days. This is important because if you’re having mild symptoms -fever, runny nose, sore throat, and achy – it’s too easy to miss a day and not realize it until it’s too late. On the other hand, if you have more severe symptoms, you might take a dose or two every few days. You will also want to take it regularly until it’s completed.

Side effects

The most common side effects are diarrhea and vomiting. You can increase the frequency of dosing to avoid these. It can also upset your stomach and diarrhea is a common side effect. So is vomiting. A side effect that can occur very frequently and is sometimes the cause of an upper respiratory infection is inflammation of the stomach and intestinal tract, known as the Blaut’s flare. This is caused by excessive antibacterial actions, causing inflammation and swelling. Usually, this only lasts for a few days.

If any side effects appear to be severe, contact your doctor right away.

Any dosage for Azithromycin?

You have to drink the medicine in a regular dosage to cure any bacterial infection. Do not exceed the dosage. After complete drinking, do only diet food (salads) for a day or two. You have to take Azithromycin for a minimum of 2-3 weeks.

Is it recommended for pregnant women?

While it isn’t totally safe for pregnant women, it’s not likely to be harmful to them. An article in a parenting magazine explained, “Azithromycin isn’t very effective against some infections in pregnancy, however, so pregnant women may want to avoid it. But doctors also can’t tell you whether it’s safe for you, so it’s best to ask your doctor.”

Are there any drug interactions with Azithromycin?

Yes. Azithromycin can cause an increased risk of CVD (cardiovascular disease). If you are at increased risk of heart disease or high risk of heart attack or stroke, you should not take azithromycin.