Medical Information

Azithromycin, as a macrolide antibiotic, is suitable for the treatment of various bacterial infections. Special risks such as cardiac toxicity should be taken into account when using it. The following provides a detailed explanation from two aspects: indications and precautions.

1. Main indications

(1) Respiratory infections: Effective in treating community-acquired pneumonia, acute bacterial sinusitis, and other pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae.

(2) Skin and soft tissue infections: suitable for infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus such as pustulosis, with a treatment course of usually 5 days.

(3) Sexually transmitted diseases: single dose treatment for uncomplicated urethritis/cervicitis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.

2 Medication precautions

(1) Cardiotoxicity: May cause QT interval prolongation, increased risk when combined with antiarrhythmic drugs.

(2) Allergic reactions: Urticaria and difficulty breathing require immediate discontinuation of medication and medical attention.

(3) Liver function monitoring: jaundice or clay colored stool should be checked for liver function, with an incidence rate of about 0.1%.

3. Medication for special populations

(1) Pregnant women: Pregnant women need to weigh the pros and cons of using it during pregnancy, as high doses may cause fetal arrhythmia.

(2) Liver dysfunction: It is recommended to halve the dosage for Child Pugh C patients.

(3) Elderly people are more prone to hearing impairment, and the recommended treatment period is no more than 5 days.

4 Drug Interactions

(1) Antacids: Aluminum/magnesium preparations reduce absorption rates and should be taken every 2 hours.

(2) Warfarin: Enhancing anticoagulant effect requires increasing INR monitoring frequency.

(3) Digoxin: may increase blood drug concentration, and arrhythmia symptoms need to be monitored.