🟩 USES OF AZITHROMYCIN
Azithromycin is a broad-spectrum macrolide antibiotic used to treat infections caused by susceptible bacteria. It’s often chosen for its convenient dosing and relatively mild side effect profile.
🔹 1. Respiratory Tract Infections
- Community-acquired pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Sinusitis
- Pharyngitis/tonsillitis (alternative in penicillin-allergic patients)
🔹 2. Ear Infections
- Otitis media (especially in children)
🔹 3. Skin and Soft Tissue Infections
- Mild to moderate bacterial skin infections
🔹 4. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- Chlamydia trachomatis – single 1g oral dose
- Gonorrhea – part of combination therapy
- Mycoplasma genitalium – alternative treatment
🔹 5. Gastrointestinal Infections
- Traveler’s diarrhea
- Campylobacter jejuni infection
- Sometimes used for typhoid fever (in areas with resistance to other drugs)
🔹 6. HIV-Related Infections
- Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) – treatment and prophylaxis
🔹 7. Other Uses
- Lyme disease (alternative)
- Whooping cough (pertussis) – alternative agent
🟥 SIDE EFFECTS OF AZITHROMYCIN
Azithromycin is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause side effects ranging from mild to serious.
🔸 Common Side Effects (usually mild)
These typically do not require medical attention unless severe:
| Symptom | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | Common | Dose-dependent |
| Vomiting | Common | |
| Diarrhea | Common | Most frequent complaint |
| Abdominal pain | Common | |
| Headache | Less common | |
| Dizziness | Less common |
🔸 Serious Side Effects (rare but important)
These require immediate medical attention:
⚠️ Heart-Related
- QT interval prolongation
- May cause torsades de pointes (a dangerous arrhythmia)
- Risk is higher in patients with:
- Heart disease
- Electrolyte imbalances (low potassium/magnesium)
- Concurrent QT-prolonging medications
⚠️ Liver Toxicity
- Can cause hepatitis, cholestatic jaundice, or liver failure (rare)
⚠️ Allergic Reactions
- Skin rash
- Angioedema
- Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)
⚠️ Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD)
- Can occur even weeks after stopping the antibiotic
- Symptoms: severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever
⚠️ Hearing Loss
- Reversible hearing loss reported with high doses or prolonged use
🔶 Special Considerations
| Condition | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Pregnancy | Considered safe (Category B) |
| Breastfeeding | Safe in most cases |
| Liver disease | Use with caution |
| Kidney disease | Generally no dose adjustment needed |
| Elderly patients | Increased risk of cardiac side effects |
🟦 Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Macrolide antibiotic |
| Common Uses | Respiratory, STIs, skin, ear infections |
| Dosage | Often 500 mg on day 1, then 250 mg daily |
| Common Side Effects | Nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain |
| Serious Side Effects | QT prolongation, liver issues, allergy |
| Precautions | Cardiac conditions, liver disease |