The first thing to know about Azithromycin is how it works.

• When susceptible bacteria are to blame for an infection, azithromycin may be used to treat it.
• Azithromycin functions by attaching to the 50S ribosomal subunit's 23S rRNA in sensitive bacteria such Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycobacterium avium, and M. intracellulare. As a result, bacteria are killed by inhibiting protein production.
• The group of drugs known as macrolide antibiotics includes azithromycin.

• Used to treat some mild-to-moderate infections caused by susceptible bacteria that can develop on the skin, in the lungs, in the ear, and on the body.
• Used specifically to treat and prevent respiratory infections caused by the mycobacterium avium complex (a kind of infection) in HIV-positive individuals. The use of additional antibiotics is possible.
• Widely effective against germs and has strong tissue penetration. There could be resistant bacteria (not killed by azithromycin).
• Compared to other comparable antibiotics like erythromycin, it may be more effective in penetrating tissue and be better tolerated.
• People who are intolerant to penicillins may use it to treat bacterial infections.
• One dose each day is possible, which increases adherence.
• Accessible in the following forms: tablet or pill, extended-release, reconstitution powder, and injectable.
• Azithromycin is available in generic form.

You are more likely to have the following side effects if you are between the ages of 18 and 60, do not take any other medications, or have any other medical conditions. This is the next thing to know about Azithromycin.

• Some of the more typical adverse effects include fatigue, headache, dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
• Liver damage and possible, possibly catastrophic, liver function effects. If any symptoms of liver dysfunction appear, the medication must be stopped.
• May alter how the heart beats, which could lead to the emergence of cardiac arrhythmias. People having a history of QT prolongation, those on other medications known to prolong the QT interval, those with low blood levels of potassium or magnesium, and those taking anti-arrhythmic medications such sotalol, amiodarone, and procainamide are at higher risk.
• Compared to amoxicillin, it has been linked to a two-fold increase in the rate of cardiovascular mortality in adults. This risk is not affected by pre-existing cardiovascular disease and was highest during the first five days of azithromycin dosage.
• Almost all antibacterial medications, including azithromycin, have the potential to cause severe diarrhea linked to Clostridium difficile.
• May result in photosensitivity and serious skin responses (increased sensitivity to sunlight). If a rash appears, stop taking azithromycin and get medical help right once. has additionally been linked to life-threatening allergic responses.
• May have interactions with a number of other drugs, including warfarin and nelfinavir (see interactions below).
• In patients with renal disease, the dosage may need to be reduced, and patients with myasthenia gravis may not be a good candidate. Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis has been linked to use in newborns (IHPS). Treatment for gonorrhea or syphilis alone may not be successful.
• Has not been linked to a higher incidence of birth abnormalities when given to pregnant patients with bacterial infections. Prior to delivering a medication to pregnant women, weigh the risks and benefits. If it is decided to continue breastfeeding while taking azithromycin, the infant should be watched for diarrhea, vomiting, or a rash. Azithromycin has been found in human milk.

• Azithromycin can be taken with or without meals, however it might be more easily tolerated if you do.
• Antacids can reduce the effectiveness of azithromycin, so avoid taking them two hours before or after taking the medication if they contain aluminum or magnesium.
• If you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a rash or breathing difficulties, stop taking azithromycin right away and get emergency medical help.
• Even if you feel better before taking the medication, follow the directions completely and complete the course as suggested by your doctor. Missing doses or stopping therapy early can reduce its effectiveness and encourage the emergence of resistance.
• Even though azithromycin frequently causes diarrhea, if you get severe diarrhea, especially if it is very watery or contains blood, call your doctor right away. After using azithromycin for one to two months, diarrhea can occasionally happen.
• If you experience any symptoms of liver disease, such as yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, upper right abdomen pain, rash, clay-colored feces, extreme nausea, or vomiting, call your doctor very far away.
• Avoid taking azithromycin if you have an allergy to other macrolides, such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, or telithromycin. Azithromycin should also be avoided if you have previously taken it and it resulted in liver damage.
• A meal should be consumed at least an hour before or two hours after taking azithromycin Zmax extended-release liquid. Any mixed Zmax suspension that hasn't been utilized in the last 12 hours should be thrown away.
• Avoid spending too much time in the sun or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher when you are outside because azithromycin can make you more susceptible to sunburn.
• Before taking azithromycin, be sure to let your doctor know if you're expecting or nursing.

Interactions is the next thing to know about Azithromycin. When used with azithromycin, drugs that interact with it may either lessen its impact, shorten its duration of action, amplify side effects, or have no effect at all. Even while it is not always necessary to cease taking one of the drugs, sometimes there is an interaction between two drugs. Consult your doctor to learn how to handle drug interactions.

Azithromycin may interact with any medication that can raise the risk of bleeding, including clopidogrel, SSRI antidepressants, and fish oils. Azithromycin and alcohol may interact, however reports of these interactions are rare. Grapefruit products may also worsen azithromycin's negative effects.

Typical drugs with which Azithromycin may interact are:

• amiodarone
• apixaban
• aspirin
• BCG live (Theracrys)
• dabigatran
• dalteparin
• digoxin
• dronedarone
• live typhoid vaccine
• mifepristone
• NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, and naproxen
• pimozide
• quinidine.

• Peak levels of azithromycin are reached in two and a half to a little more than three hours. To achieve stable concentrations more quickly, a loading dosage (a greater than usual initial dose) may be utilized.
• Possibly taken once a day.
• It could take a few days for infection symptoms to start to go away. Always complete the course as directed.
• Azithromycin resistance has been documented, mostly as a result of alteration of the 23S rRNA target, most frequently via methylation. Cross-resistance to other macrolides, lincosamides, and streptogramin B can be determined by ribosomal changes (MLS B phenotype).

It is not advised to take azithromycin for a long time. Long-term use can cause the development of harmful microorganisms that are azithromycin resistant. Take azithromycin for the amount of time recommended by your physician.

Diarrhea brought on by Clostridium difficile: The "good" bacteria in the colon can be killed by azithromycin and other antibiotics, which promotes the growth of C. difficile bacteria. The "bad" bacteria C. difficile can lead to diarrhea.

Myasthenia gravis is a muscular condition whose symptoms can be made worse by azithromycin. Azithromycin may also result in muscular weakness. If you have a history of myasthenia gravis or notice any new muscle weakness, tell your doctor very away.

Azithromycin can alter the electrical activity of the heart in ways that are inappropriate and may result in potentially fatal irregular heart rhythms. If you have a history of any of the following, let your doctor know:

• existing QT prolongation heart rhythm issues
• low potassium or magnesium levels
• slower-than-normal heart rate
• the use of medications to treat arrhythmias or irregular heart rhythms