Azithromycin: Class of Drug, Uses, Side Effects

Azithromycin belongs to the class of antibiotics. Its primary use is to treat bacterial infections like respiratory, skin, ear infections, and also sexually transmitted diseases. Azithromycin comes with a warning that individuals with prior liver conditions like jaundice should not use this medication. Azithromycin should also be not used on individuals who have an allergy to mycins.

Some of the other medications which come under this category are erythromycin and clarithromycin. There is no evidence to suggest that Azithromycin should not be taken during pregnancy but it is advisable to tell the physician if you are pregnant or attempting to become pregnant before starting this medication. Breast feeding females should avoid taking this medication, although there is no evidence to suggest that Azithromycin is harmful to a breast feeding baby. Azithromycin should not be used for children younger than 6 months old.

Some of the medical conditions that can be treated by Azithromycin are cat-scratch disease, ear infections, skin infections, throat infections, or infection of the tonsils. Azithromycin is also quite effective in treating respiratory conditions like bronchitis, sinusitis, community acquired pneumonia, COPD, pertussis. Some cases of genital infections can also be treated by using Azithromycin.

Azithromycin is also widely used for treating STD like gonorrhea, genital ulcers, or pelvic inflammatory disease. This drug works by preventing bacteria from making their own proteins and prevents its growth. As is the case with almost all antibiotics, treatment with Azithromycin should not be started unless there is substantial proof that the infection can be effectively treated with this medication.

In case if you have allergic reaction to Azithromycin like hives; problems with breathing; swelling of the face and lips then it is recommended that you go to the nearest emergency room or contact your treating physician for immediate treatment and recommend an alternative for Azithromycin.

In some cases Azithromycin may cause side effects like skin rash which may become potentially serious if it starts spreading to other parts of the body. This is an emergent situation and requires prompt treatment. Some of the other side effects of Azithromycin are:

• Severe stomach pain
• Diarrhea which may be watery or bloody
• Headaches
• Chest pain
• Severe dizziness with passing out in some cases
• Nausea
• Vomiting.

Also Read:

• How Effective and Safe is Azithromycin as an Antibacterial?