In this publication, we will pay special attention to the side effects of Azithromycin, contraindications. Consider the possibility of using an antibiotic for patients of all age groups, pregnant and lactating women.
Material Content:
Release forms and composition
The drug can be acquired in several types of forms:
- capsules;
- enteric-coated tablets;
- resorption pills;
- suspension;
- powder for injection.
Most often from the entire prescribed list, it is tablets or capsules, suspension that are used.
The antibiotic "Azithromycin" in the form of pills can be of different dosages: 125, 250 or 500 mg. The suspension is proposed in a dosage of the active substance in 15.30 and 75 mg (per 1 g of powder).
The main active ingredient of the drug is azithromycin. It belongs to the macrolide group and was synthesized in the 80s of the last century in Yugoslavia. Since then, the drug could be purchased under the name Sumamed. Since 2005, the license of the pharmaceutical company “Plava” for the drug has ended, and today the antibiotic can be bought under various names, there are a lot of analogues of Sumamed / Azithromycin.
The advantage of azithromycin is that it does not allow pathogenic bacteria to produce some protein compounds that are important to them. Thus, microorganisms cease to multiply and grow.
"Azithromycin" refers to bacteriostatic drugs, but it is not weaker than bactericidal, since it destroys entire colonies of microbes by its action.
By the way, in a larger dose, the drug acts as a bactericidal!
One of the important beneficial properties of a drug is its metabolism.An antibiotic is excreted from the body for a longer time than other drugs for the treatment of infectious ailments. Only after 50 hours is the withdrawal of half the substance! This effect is very good for therapy, because the maximum concentration of azithromycin in the tissues lasts a long time.
Another plus of the long-term withdrawal of azithromycin is the ability to reduce the frequency of taking the drug, the duration of the course.
The package contains 3 capsules or tablets, but the drug is valid for another 5-7 days after completion of administration.
And the most important factor in which to choose “Azithromycin” is the possibility of its administration to patients with liver diseases. The fact is that the slow withdrawal of the substance minimizes the load on the liver!
Despite the slow excretion, the effect of the antibiotic begins quickly. Within 2-2.5 hours after administration, its maximum concentration in the blood is noted. The substance tends to accumulate in the foci of bacteria (infections) accumulation as much as possible, and evenly across all body tissues. Studies have shown that the substance can determine the concentration of microbes and accumulates there 30% more than in healthy organs.
The drug is applicable for the treatment of most diseases caused by bacteria.
Only some diseases can not be affected if they are caused by microbes that have resistance to the substance (but there are few).
Despite many advantages, the described antibiotic has some disadvantages - contraindications and side effects.
Side effects and contraindications
Azithromycin is largely similar in its action to erythromycin, and it is its derivative.
But despite the close relationship, azithromycin is in many ways superior to its ancestor:
- It is more resistant to acids than erythromycin, therefore it does not break down in the stomach, but reaches the intestines, from where it is absorbed into the plasma. Therefore, "Azithromycin" has a higher therapeutic effect.
- The described drug has a lower probability of side effects associated with the gastrointestinal tract.
- Macrolides have a milder effect on the body than penicillin: they are gentle and less toxic.
Common contraindications for patients of all sexes and ages include the following:
- intolerance to components;
- kidney disease or liver failure (both are severe);
- taking bactericidal drugs (the effectiveness of both types of drugs decreases).
We use an antibiotic with caution if there are diseases of the cardiovascular system:
- arrhythmia;
- the cardiogram showed an extended QT interval;
- in the treatment of drugs "Warfarin" or "Digoxin."
Side effects may occur. But they will all be reversible. If there are any symptoms described below, then taking "Azithromycin" will need to be stopped. Next, consult your doctor for a replacement drug.
Side effects:
- Most often manifested by the gastrointestinal tract, but less frequently than with other antibiotics. Patients observe nausea, vomiting (if the dose is exceeded), abdominal pain, diarrhea. If you encounter such effects when taking the drug, then do not cancel it. The fact is that any antimicrobial medicine depresses not only pathogenic bacteria, but also the microflora, which is important and beneficial for the gastrointestinal tract. After the course of the drug, you need to drink a course of probiotics.
- From the side of the nervous system, there can be a lack of sleep, pain in the head.
- Candidiasis of the mucous membranes, skin.
- Some note that taking medication affects the change in the worse sense of taste and smell.
- Allergies are rare, but we will talk about it in more detail below.
Side effects of the following nature were even less common:
- changes in the kidneys of a pathological nature;
- hepatic necrosis;
- ventricular tachycardia;
- changes in blood composition.
Next, consider contraindications and possible side effects for men, women and children.
In men
There is nothing special to highlight, but still there are a couple of points.
There are no contraindications specifically for men, but they may more frequently than women have the following side effects:
- hepatic necrosis - especially for the elderly;
- jaundice (hepatitis);
- pathology of the kidneys.
These ailments are reversible!
Among women
Contraindications are available only for a certain group of patients - nursing mothers. If a woman who is breastfeeding has an infection that can be defeated only with an antibiotic, another drug is prescribed.
If "Azithromycin" is indicated, then the baby is transferred to artificial feeding for the duration of treatment.
This is extremely undesirable, because in the future it will be difficult to force a child to take his breast again - it is easier to eat from a bottle!
During treatment with Azithromycin, mothers need to observe a pumping regimen so that lactation does not stop and milk does not become less. Empty your breasts each time before feeding your baby with the mixture, so the organisms of women and children will work together (milk appears in the right amount when the baby is hungry, and, conversely, the child asks to eat when there is a lot of milk).
As for pregnancy, Azithromycin is almost the only bacteriostatic antibiotic approved for use by expectant mothers. But, like any antibiotic, this drug can be prescribed in the most extreme cases. The active substance can pass through the placenta to the fetus, and with its influence harm development.
Therefore, taking medication in the first trimester is prohibited, it can be prescribed only from the second.
If "Azithromycin" is prescribed for a pregnant woman, it must be taken strictly as prescribed by the doctor.
In the third trimester, especially 1-2 weeks before a possible birth, Azithromycin is also not prescribed, since it penetrates into milk, and when it is fed, it enters its body! If it is impossible without an antibiotic, childbirth occurred during the course of treatment or a few days after, but when the concentration of the substance in the blood is still high, it is impossible to start breastfeeding. The doctor will prescribe the transition to milk when it is cleansed of azithromycin.
Side effects for women are the same as for all patients. But there is one that applies only to the weaker sex - vaginitis (this is vaginal candidiasis). Also, women who use hormonal contraceptives for the prevention of pregnancy have the opportunity to become pregnant unplanned.
The fact is that an antibiotic weakens the effect of contraceptives. to avoid unwanted pregnancy, you need to take extra care of safety.
In children
For infants, only a doctor can prescribe an antibiotic, if there are special instructions for this. Up to six months and children under 5 kg weighing a drug for oral administration is not recommended, injections are more suitable.
For children under the age of twelve, Azithromycin tablets, even the lowest dosage, are not prescribed. Up to this age, a suspension may be used.
There are very few childhood side effects, they are rare.
You may encounter the following problems with Azithromycin:
- loss of appetite;
- oral candidiasis;
- gastritis.
In all cases, it should be understood that the likelihood of side effects is minimal if there are no contraindications and violations in compliance with the instructions prescribed by the doctor.
Consequences of taking with alcohol
In the annotation to the drug, not a word is spelled out about the possibility of taking the medicine with alcoholic beverages.
And the lack of this information leads many people to the idea that if it is not forbidden, then it is allowed.
How much they are mistaken! An antibiotic used in conjunction with alcohol can cause irreparable harm to the entire body.Not only people suffering from a pathological craving for strong drinks are exposed to dangers, but also those who allow themselves to drink one or two glasses of wine or beer at least once during the entire course of treatment.
The following organs may be affected:
- liver;
- kidneys
- Gastrointestinal tract;
- the cardiovascular system.
Suffers from such cocktails and metabolism!
In addition to the excessive burden on the organs, the combined use of alcohol with antibiotics reduces the therapeutic effect of the former. It is not recommended to consume alcoholic beverages 1.5-2 days before the start of the antibiotic course, and also within 72 hours after its completion.
Possible allergic reactions
When treated with antibiotics, one of the most unpleasant side effects can be encountered. This is an allergic reaction of the body to the components of the drug. Symptoms of intolerance are extremely rare. A greater number of patients noted rashes on the skin of red color, itchy sensations. Rhinitis may occur.
In the rarest cases, dangerous manifestations of allergic reactions were observed - angioedema and even anaphylactic shock! Therefore, it is important when you suspect an allergy and its weak manifestations (itching, rashes, tearing, and so on) to stop using the medicine immediately.
Instructions for use
The duration of the course of treatment and the dose of the drug depend on the disease, its course, age of the patient.
Apply strictly 2 hours before or after a meal, as food affects the absorption of the substance.
The standard scheme for the use of tablets is as follows:
- ARI and ARVI - for adults and children over 12 years old (with body weight over 45 kg) - 1 pill or capsule 500 mg once a day. The course consists of three days, the medicine is used at the same time.
- Suspension is recommended for children and patients up to 45 kg. The dose is calculated at 10 mg per kg of body weight. As well as tablets, they are used once a day for 3 days.
Instructions for the treatment of other diseases (urological, gynecological, acute inflammatory processes of a different nature) are prescribed only by a doctor! Not treated infections are fraught with complications, and a low dose of the drug may be to blame. An overdose leads to the appearance of allergies and other side effects.
So, “Azithromycin” has not as many contraindications and side effects as other antibiotics, but it is also applicable for the treatment of many diseases caused by bacteria. This is what prompts most doctors to prescribe this drug. Do not self-medicate, remember the possible consequences. Good health to you and your loved ones!
