Azithromycin is one of the world's best selling antibiotics. It is an azalide antibiotic, a subclass of the macrolides. It retains the spectrum of activity of erythromycin against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens and has increased activity against many Gram - negative and atypical microorganisms.

The antibiotic is commonly used for treating certain bacterial infections, most often bacteria causing middle ear infections, tonsillitis, throat infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis and laryngitis,

Working
The drug acts by interfering with microbial protein synthesis by binding to the 50 S ribosomal sub unit. The antibiotic has been approved for treating chlamydia and bacterial infections of the skin and respiratory tract.

The drug is commonly administered in tablet or oral suspension form. It is also available for intravenous injection. The Tablets are available in 250mg and 500mg doses; Oral suspension comes in strength of 100mg/teaspoon and 200mg/teaspoon

Dosage
Upper and lower respiratory tract and skin and soft tissue infections: 500mg once daily for 3 days or 500 mg once on day 1, followed by 250 mg once daily for the next 4 days. Urogenital infection (Chlamydial) : 1g as a single dose

The drug should be taken 1 hour before or at least 2 hours after a meal. It used with caution by pregnant and lactating women.

Contra- Indications: Hypersensitivity to azithromycin or other macrolides

Side Effects
The drug has certain side effects, that can affect individuals in different ways. The following are some of the side effects, that are often associated with the drug:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Dyspepsia
• Flatulence Dizziness
• Vertigo
• Headache

Brands