Zithromax is an antibiotic that is available only with a doctor's prescription. It is classified as a macrolide antibiotic, which inhibits the expansion and multiplication of bacteria. Zithromax, like other macrolides (erythromycin and clarithromycin), acts by attaching to the 50S ribosomal subunit of the bacteria. This prevents the bacteria from being able to create proteins, which is necessary for the bacteria to flourish and live. In the year 1980, a group of Croatian researchers working at Pliva made the discovery of azithromycin. Eight years later, in 1988, the antibiotic was first commercialized in Central and Eastern Europe under the brand name Sumamed. The Food and Drug Administration granted approval for the use of azithromycin in 1991, and Pfizer began marketing the antibiotic in the United States under the brand name Zithromax.
What conditions does Zithromax treat?
Zithromax is a medication that can be prescribed to both adults and children, and it is typically used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including bronchitis, pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, and infections of the reproductive system. These infections can be caused by a wide variety of bacterial species. Zithromax is also employed in the treatment of some forms of sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea and chlamydiosis, in addition to moderate to severe forms of acne that are brought on by bacteria. Pneumonia, tonsillitis, otitis media, and strep throat are some of the conditions that can be treated with this medication in children. Zithromax is not advised for use in the treatment of viral illnesses like the common cold or the flu.
Zithromax's Potentially Harmful Effects
Symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract, including but not limited to nausea, vomiting, loose stools, and diarrhea, are the side effects of macrolide antibiotics that occur most often among patients who have used these medications. They are often mild and almost always vanish entirely either during or after therapy. Consuming some meal before to taking the drug might help reduce the likelihood of experiencing these adverse effects.
Oral pill is the most popular method of administration for Zithromax, and there are two accessible strengths: 250 mg and 500 mg. Oral tablets containing 600 milligrams of azithromycin are the most common delivery method for generic azithromycin. Zithromax is typically administered as a single dose of 500 milligrams on the first day of treatment, followed by a single dose of 250 milligrams for each of the subsequent four days. In addition to its tablet form, Zithromax may be obtained as an oral suspension (100 mg/5 mL, 200 mg/5 mL, and 1000 mg/5 mL), as well as an injectable medicine (100 mL vial filled with solution containing 500 mg azithromycin).
