Overview Of Azithromycin

Azithromycin is an antibiotic that is primarily used to treat serious bacterial infections. It is available as an oral tablet, though it can also be administered intravenously. Children and adults can use the medication. Pediatricians may prescribe it for children with otitis media or tonsillitis. The length of time that patients must take this antibiotic depends on the severity of their infection. Some patients take this medicine for three to five days. For others, ten days of treatment may be necessary.

Antibiotics for bacterial skin infections, including azithromycin, are quite common. This particular one is among the safe antibiotics for kids. Of course, individuals need to finish all of their oral antibiotics for a chance to get the best results. However, antibiotics can have side effects, and some patients deal with antibiotic resistance. Thus, knowing about antibiotics, including azithromycin, is crucial.

How It Works

Azithromycin, an antibiotic, belongs to a class known as macrolides. The first macrolide antibiotic, erythromycin, was isolated from Streptomyces erythraeus in the 1950s. This type of bacteria is found in soil. Azithromycin is a synthetic derivative of this antibiotic. Like others in this class, this medication kills bacteria by attaching to a specific subunit located on the bacteria's ribosomes. The subunit is known as the P site of the 505 unit. This attachment prevents the bacteria from forming proteins and spreading. Macrolide antibiotics have the most substantial impact on intracellular pathogens and gram-positive cocci.

Continue reading to learn about the uses and benefits of this antibiotic next.