Views: 54,019
Table of Contents
What is Azithromycin?
Azithromycin is an antibiotic prescribed to fight off bacterial infections. Also, it is a generic name for a drug available as Zithromax, Zmax and Z-Pak.
It belongs to a specific group of antibiotics known as macrolide antibiotics. The macrolide antibiotics work by preventing the bacteria from proliferating further.
ENT specialists recommend this medicine for various infections in the ear, nose and throat- tonsillitis, sinusitis, ear infections.
Benefits of Azithromycin
Doctors prescribe Azithromycin for the following-
- It treats various lungs and other respiratory infections such as bronchitis, sinusitis, community acquired pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and whooping cough
- Cures various bacterial infections such as skin infections, ear infections, cat-scratch disease
- A good remedy for various genital infections and sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea, genital ulcers, urethra or cervical infections and severe pelvic inflammatory disease
Price of Azithromycin
The price of Azithromycin ranges from RS. 50 per box to Rs. 750 per box in the Indian market. Hence, the average price of the medicine is Rs. 400 for one box.
Dosage of Azithromycin
Azithromycin medicine is available in various forms such as- oral suspension, powder sachets or pills. In some cases, people need to take this medicine via an intravenous channel.
Doctors confirm that this medicine can be taken with or without food. Depending on the type of infections, doctors recommend the dosage and duration of course.
- For tonsillitis or throat infection: One dose of 500 mg and then 250 mg for the next four days
- To cure skin infection: One dose of 500 mg and then 250 mg for the next four days
- For sinusitis: 500 mg a day on the first three days or 2 gm in one in a single dose
- Genital ulcer disease: 1 gram in one single dose
- Community Acquired Pneumonia: One dose of 500 mg and then 250 mg for the next four days
- To take the powder form of Azithromycin- Open the sachet and pour the powder with two cups of water. Stir it well into a mixture and drink all of it at once. Make sure you take the whole mixture completely. Consume the residue left at the bottom of the cup by mixing some water.
- To take the oral suspension- Before taking the liquid, shake it well. Measure the medicine with a dosing syringe or dose-measuring spoon or cup. Then drink the prescribed amount.
Side Effects of Azithromycin
Some of the common side effects of taking Azithromycin higher than the recommended dosage for tonsillitis are-
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loose stool
- Bloating
- Dryness of the skin
- Fever
- Swelling
- Dizziness
- Dry throat
- Sore throat
- Earache
- Itching or reddening of the skin
- Vaginal infection in women
- Discomfort in the stomach
- Seizures
- Swelling of the feet or ankles
- Fluid build-up between the lungs and the chest wall that causes symptoms such as heaviness, difficulty breathing
- Inflammation of the colon that causes severe diarrhea, abdominal pain and fatigue
- Prone to infections due to low white blood cell count
Substitutes of Azithromycin
There are other antibiotics that can fight off against various bacterial infections. Hence, in case you are unable to get hold of Azithromycin, you can take the following-
- Penicillin
- Augmentin
- Cipro
- Biaxin
- Cleocin
- Levaquin
- Keflex
Interaction of Azithromycin
The composition of Azithromycin can interact with any other medicine taken by an individual for a chronic condition. Therefore, it can either cause a reaction or dampen the effectiveness of the other medicine. In rare cases, it can even cause some severe side effects too.
Know here about the medicines with which Azithromycin can interact and make the body prone to other infections-
- Advair Diskus
- Amoxicillin
- Augmentin
- ProAir HFA
- Symbicort
- Ventolin HFA
- Blood thinners such as Enoxaparin, Fondaparinus, Heparin, Warfarin
- Pimozide
- BCG live
- Dronedarone
- Prescribed medicines for blood clotting such as antithrombin III, bivalirudin, dalteparin, Amiodarone, Digoxin, Quinidine and Live typhoid vaccine
Not only the above medicines, but also over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and other dietary supplements and herbal supplements can also interact with Azithromycin. Thus, consult with the doctor regarding the same.
| Benefits | treats various lungs and other respiratory infections such as bronchitis, sinusitis, community acquired pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and whooping cough, bacterial infections such as skin infections, ear infections, cat-scratch disease, genital infections and sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea, genital ulcers, urethra or cervical infections and severe pelvic inflammatory disease |
| Price | Rs. 50 to Rs. 750 per box which means Rs. 400 per box |
| Side effects | Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Loose stool, Bloating, Dryness of the skin, Fever Swelling, Dizziness, Dry throat, Sore throat, Earache, Itching or reddening of the skin, Vaginal infection in women, Discomfort in the stomach, Seizures Swelling of the feet or ankles, Fluid build-up between the lungs and the chest wall that causes symptoms such as heaviness, difficulty breathing, Inflammation of the colon that causes severe diarrhea, abdominal pain and fatigue, Prone to infections due to low white blood cell count. |
| Interactions | over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and other dietary supplements and herbal supplements |
Warnings of Azithromycin
People suffering from the following conditions should beware before taking Azithromycin-
- QT prolongation
- Liver ailments
- Colitis
- Myasthenia gravis
In addition to taking into consideration the above conditions, there are some other precautions too.
- Avoid taking this medication if you are allergic to it
- Don’t take Azithromycin if you have suffered with jaundice or liver problems in the past
- If you have suffered from kidney problems, then don’t take this medicine
- People with low levels of potassium should not take this medicine
- Pregnant or lactating women can take this medicine safely. However, it is better to consult with the gynecologist before.
Conclusion
Tonsillitis can worsen over a period of time. People who have recurrent tonsillitis complain of bad breath, difficulty swallowing, a feeling of something stuck in their throat and interrupted sleep. Hence, these people should consider other treatment options other than Azithromycin. If you are suffering from tonsillitis, consult with a Pristyn Care ENT specialist today. Book an appointment now!
Read more:
