| Azithromycin Azithromycin is a modern macrolide antibiotic which Erythromycin like drugs included. It fights with bacteria in bacterial ribosomal level. Azithromycin is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria, Example – respiratory infections, skin infections, ear infections, and sexually transmitted diseases. Important information- You should not take Azithromycin if you have ever had jaundice or liver problems when you have previously taken this medicine. Before taking this medicine You should avoid the use Azithromycin if you are allergic to it. If you have ever had jaundice or liver problems caused by taking azithromycin; or If you are allergic to similar drugs – clarithromycin, erythromycin. To make sure Azithromycin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had: liver disease; kidney disease; myasthenia gravis;- low levels of potassium in your blood This medicine is SAFE and not expected to harm an unborn baby. But Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether Azithromycin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 6 months old. Advises for proper taking of Azithromycin- Take Azithromycin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. AVOID taking this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. The dose and length of treatment may not be the same for every type of infection. You may take most forms of Azithromycin with or without food. Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics.Remember that Azithromycin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.This fact is common for all Antibiotics. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Throw away any unused liquid medicine after 10 days. What happens if I miss a dose? Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose. What should I avoid while taking azithromycin? Remember not take antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium within 2 hours before or after you take Antibiotic Azithromycin. These antacids can make Azithromycin less effective ( it interfere the action of the Drug )when taken at the same time. Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to. Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Azithromycin can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors. Azithromycin side effects Common Azithromycin side effectsare as follows – nausea, vomiting, stomach pain headache. mild diarrhea, vomiting, constipation; stomach pain tired feeling, mild headache; nervous feeling, sleep problems (insomnia); vaginal itching or discharge – genito uterine tract side effects mild rash or itching; ringing in your ears, problems with hearing.Tinnitus decreased sense of taste or smell. What other drugs will affect azithromycin? Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially: nelfinavir and blood thinner – warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven. . Other drugs may interact with Azithromycin, including prescription and over-the-counter Drugs, vitamins, and herbal products. Azithromycin is recent modern Drug . because of that we have to use it systematically to avoid resistance which can be developed by the sensitive bacteria .Antibiotics are the main resource of the Medical methods. – Shasntha Heiyantuduwa Pharmacist |
