Pill of the Month

March 2008-Azithromycin

Azithromycin
Brand Names: Zithromax

Uses:
Zithromax is used to treat or prevent bacterial infections.  It is commonly dispensed as a tablet or oral suspension, but also available for intravenous injection.  Tablets come in 250mg and 500mg doses, while oral suspension comes in 100mg/5ml and 200mg/5ml.  The 250mg tablets typically come in a pack of six for a 5-day treatment, and the 500mg tablets are typically dispensed in a pack of three for a 3-day treatment.  It is highly recommended to finish all of the medication even though symptoms may decrease or disappear after the first dosage. 

Mechanisms:
Azithromycin is an azalide derived from erythromycin.  Azalides are a subclass of macrolide antibiotics which work by interfering with bacterial protein synthesis.  Specifically, azithromycin will bind to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, inhibiting the translation of mRNA.  By inhibiting protein synthesis, the antibiotic prevents the bacteria from growing. 

Side Effects:
Common side effects are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, allergic reactions, and abdominal pain.



Reference: www.Rxlist.com, www.medicinenet.com