- What is it for
- How to use
- Side effects
- Does Azithromycin cut the contraceptive effect?
- Who should not use
Azithromycin is an antibiotic widely used in clinical practice to fight infections caused by bacteria, such as skin infections, sinusitis, rhinitis and pneumonia, for example. In addition, this antibiotic can also be recommended in the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, such as Gonorrhea and Chlamydia, for example.
Azithromycin acts in the body by inhibiting the production of proteins by these bacteria, preventing them from growing and reproducing, resulting in their elimination. This medicine can be purchased in the form of a tablet or oral suspension, being available on the market under the trade names Azi, Zithromax, Astro and Azimix for a price of about 10 to 50 reais, which depends on the laboratory in which it was produced, pharmaceutical form and dosage.
Azithromycin is only sold on presentation of a prescription.
What is it for
The antibiotic azithromycin is mainly used to treat infections caused by bacteria, which cause:
- Respiratory infections, such as sinusitis, rhinitis, bronchitis or pneumonia; Ear infections, such as otitis media; Infections in the skin or soft tissues, such as abscesses, boils or infected ulcers; Genital or urinary infections, such as urethritis or cervicitis.
In addition, this medication can be used to treat sexually transmitted diseases, mainly fighting Chlamydia trachomatis , Haemophilus ducreyi and Neisseria gonorrhoeae , which are the causative agents of Chlamydia, Cancer mole and Gonorrhea, respectively.
How to use
The dosage of azithromycin depends on the age and severity of the infection. Like this:
Use in adults: for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, Haemophilus ducreyi or Neisseria gonorrhoeae , the recommended dose is 1000 mg, in a single dose, orally.
For all other indications, the total dose of 1500 mg should be administered in daily doses of 500 mg, for 3 days. Alternatively, the same total dose can be administered over 5 days, in a single dose of 500 mg on the 1st day and 250 mg, once a day, from the 2nd to the 5th day.
Use in Children: generally, the total dose in children is 30 mg / kg, given in a single daily dose of 10 mg / kg, for 3 days, or the same total dose can be administered for 5 days, in a single dose of 10 mg / kg on the 1st day and 5 mg / kg, 1 time a day, from the 2nd to the 5th day. Alternatively, for the treatment of children with acute otitis media, a single dose of 30 mg / kg can be administered. The daily dose of 500 mg should not be exceeded.
In some cases, the doctor may change the dosage of azithromycin in children and adults. It is important that the antibiotic is used as directed by the doctor, and should not be suspended without an indication, as it can lead to bacterial resistance and complications.
Side effects
The most common side effects associated with the use of Azithromycin are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loose stools, abdominal discomfort, constipation or diarrhea and gas. In addition, dizziness, drowsiness and loss of appetite may occur.
Also see what to eat to lessen side effects.
Does Azithromycin cut the contraceptive effect?
Azithromycin does not stop the contraceptive effect, however it can cause imbalance of the intestinal microbiota, resulting in diarrhea and preventing the correct absorption of the contraceptive. Therefore, if there is diarrhea within 4 hours of taking the contraceptive, there may be a risk that the pill's effectiveness will be reduced.
Who should not use
The use of Azithromycin is contraindicated for people with allergies to any component of the drug's formula and should only be used during pregnancy and during breastfeeding if directed by the obstetrician.
In addition, it is not recommended for people with liver, kidney disease and changes in the cardiovascular system due to possible side effects and the process of absorption and metabolization of the drug.
