What is the mechanism of action of azithromycin?

Mechanism of action

Azithromycin prevents bacteria from growing by interfering with their protein synthesis. It binds to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, thus inhibiting translation of mRNA. Nucleic acid synthesis is not affected.

What type of antibacterial is azithromycin?

Azithromycin is from a group of medicines called macrolide antibiotics. Macrolide antibiotics work by killing the bacteria that cause the infection. Azithromycin is available on prescription as capsules, tablets and a liquid that you swallow. It can also be given by injection, but this is usually only done in hospital.

What is the common name for azithromycin?

Azithromycin (Zithromax) is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections and is available as a generic.

Which medication is classified as a macrolide?

Five macrolide antibiotics are currently available for use in the United States: erythromycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin, fidaxomicin and telithromycin, the latter being a related ketolide.

What is azithromycin used for?

Azithromycin is used to treat certain bacterial infections, such as bronchitis; pneumonia; sexually transmitted diseases (STD); and infections of the ears, lungs, sinuses, skin, throat, and reproductive organs.

What is indication of azithromycin?

Azithromycin is indicated for the treatment of patients with mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible strains of the microorganisms listed in the specific conditions below. Recommended dosages, duration of therapy and considerations for various patient populations may vary among these infections.

What is antibiotics and its classification?

Antibiotics can be categorized by their spectrum of activity—namely, whether they are narrow-, broad-, or extended-spectrum agents. Narrow-spectrum agents (e.g., penicillin G) affect primarily gram-positive bacteria.

What are antibiotic classes?

In this portal, antibiotics are classified into one of the following classes: penicillins, fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins, macrolides, beta-lactams with increased activity (e.g. amoxicillin-clavulanate), tetracyclines, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, lincosamides (e.g. clindamycin), urinary anti-infectives, and other …

What is the meaning of macrolide?

Macrolide: One in a class of antibiotics that includes Biaxin (Clarithromycin), Zithromax (Azithromycin), Dificid (Fidoximycin), and Erythromycin. The macrolides inhibit the growth of bacteria and are often prescribed to treat rather common bacterial infections.

What is difference between amoxicillin and azithromycin?

Both medications are used to treat bacterial infections in adults and children. Azithromycin is in the macrolide category of antibiotics, while amoxicillin is in the beta-lactam/penicillin category. They work in different ways and have some differences, such as in indications and drug interactions.

Which is better amoxicillin or azithromycin?

We conclude that azithromycin treatment for three days is faster and more effective clinically and analytically than standard treatment with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid or cefaclor in acute infections of the ear, nose and throat.

What should you not take with azithromycin?

Tips. May be taken with or without food; however, azithromycin may be better tolerated if taken with food. Do not take aluminum or magnesium-containing antacids two hours before or two hours after you take azithromycin because antacids can make azithromycin less effective.

Is azithromycin a penicillin?

Zithromax is not a penicillin it is a type of antibiotic called a macrolide. Macrolides kill bacteria by inhibiting protein synthesis and blocking the assembly of the 50S ribosomal subunit, which is a structure in a cell that helps coordinate protein synthesis.

Why azithromycin is given for 3 days?

Azithromycin is sometimes prescribed long-term to prevent chest infections if you keep getting them. In this case you will usually need to take it 3 times a week, often on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

What is the best antibiotic for a bacterial infection?

Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics such as amoxicillin, erythromycin and ciprofloxacin.

What are the side effects of azithromycin?

Side effects of azithromycin
  • Feeling sick (nausea) Stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food while you’re taking this medicine.
  • Diarrhoea. …
  • Being sick (vomiting) …
  • Losing your appetite. …
  • Headaches. …
  • Feeling dizzy or tired. …
  • Changes to your sense of taste.

When is the best time to take azithromycin?

You or your child must take this medicine within 12 hours after it has been mixed with water. It is best to take the Zmax® extended-release oral suspension on an empty stomach or at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Can we take azithromycin 500 twice a day?

Adults—500 to 2000 milligrams (mg) once a day, taken as a single dose. Depending on the type of infection, this may be followed with doses of 250 to 500 mg once a day for several days.