In winter, there is a high incidence of respiratory infections. The prescription drug azithromycin is hot among parents. So, what are the precautions for azithromycin?Can I take it with antimicrobials?What are the differences in how to eat multiple dosage forms?
Q
Erythromycin is uncomfortable after eating, can you change it to azithromycin
A:Erythromycin is a first-generation macrolide antimicrobial drug, which has a narrow antibacterial spectrum, many adverse reactions, and many drug interactions, which limits its clinical use. Azithromycin, as a second-generation macrolide, has greatly improved many deficiencies of erythromycin. Therefore, if erythromycin is uncomfortable, the child may consider switching to azithromycin. However, as similar drugs, the adverse drug reaction spectrum of the two is similar, and it is possible that there will be similar discomfort after taking azithromycin, if it is still not tolerated, then it is necessary to consider switching to other types of antimicrobial drugs.
Q
When to eat the effect is good
A:Azithromycin is a concentration-dependent antimicrobial drug with a half-life of 35 to 48 hours, which can continue to exert antibacterial effects in the body, so it is sufficient to take the drug once a day. Morning or evening, on an empty stomach or with food. Try to keep it at a similar time each day.
Q
What are the differences in how to eat multiple dosage forms?
A:Tablets and capsules can be swallowed with water normally. In general, it is not recommended to break the tablet or take the capsule apart. If you feel that the dose of the drug is too large, you can choose a single tablet with a smaller dose. If you feel that the drug is bulky and difficult to swallow, then you can choose dosage forms such as granules and dry suspensions that are more suitable for the elderly and children.
Dry suspensionUsually the drug powder is poured into a cup, mixed well with an appropriate amount (20 to 30 ml) of warm water, dispersed into a suspension and taken orallyIt is not recommended to take it directly。Granules also need to be dissolved in warm water before oral administration, but unlike dry suspensions, they can be swallowed directly.
Q
How long do you need to eat
A:The latest guidelines recommend oral administration for children with mild disease for a duration of 3 to 5 daysSevere children are given intravenous therapy for 7 days, and the drug is stopped for 3 to 4 days as a course of treatment, and the course of treatment can be repeated until the symptoms of the disease improve and the body temperature is normal. Specifically, it is necessary to take it according to the patient's individual condition and according to the doctor's instructions. If azithromycin is taken for too long, the dose gradually accumulates, and the increase may not necessarily be the efficacy, but may be an adverse reaction.
Q
What are the common adverse reactions
A:The most common adverse reactions of azithromycin are gastrointestinal reactions, including diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, liver insufficiency, etc., which are usually mild. However, it is necessary to be vigilant for the occurrence of serious adverse reactions, such as yellowing of the eyes or **, soy sauce-colored urine indicating the possibility of cholestatic jaundice, irregular heartbeat, chest tightness, palpitation, shortness of breath, and syncope suggesting the possibility of torsades de pointes, which may have fatal consequences if not treated in time!
Q
What are the precautions for taking medication
A:People who are allergic to azithromycin or any other macrolide must not use azithromycin.
In addition, those with a history of prolonged QT interval (from the beginning of the QRS complex to the end of the T wave on ECG), hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia, clinically significant bradycardia, those receiving antiarrhythmic drugs**, those receiving antipsychotics, antidepressants, hepatitis or hepatic insufficiency, and myasthenia gravis should inform their physician to confirm whether they can use azithromycin.
Note:When taking azithromycin, avoid combining it with antacids containing aluminum or magnesium (such as chewable aluminum magnesium carbonate tablets, compound magnesium aluminum hydroxide tablets, etc.). If you need to use it together, it is recommended to wait at least 2 hours.
Q
Whether it can be taken with antibacterial drugs
A:The premise is that it needs to be determined whether the child is infected with mycoplasma alone or co-infected with other pathogens such as viral and bacterial. If the child does not have co-infection, there is no need for azithromycin to be used with other antimicrobials. When antimicrobial drugs are used in combination, there are four kinds of effects: additive, synergistic, independent and antagonistic. For example, additive action means "1+1=2", synergy means "1+1 2", irrelevant effect means "1+1 or =2", and antagonism means "1+1 1". When azithromycin is combined with commonly used cephalosporins and penicillins, the effect of the latter will be weakened, so it should not be used together.
Q
Can taking azithromycin prevent mycoplasma pneumonia
A:Children with undiagnosed mycoplasma pneumonia who take azithromycin cannot prevent mycoplasma pneumonia, but will bury two hidden dangers: first, azithromycin-related adverse reactions may occur, and they may suffer from avoidable disasters. The second is to lead to azithromycin resistance, that is, when it is really needed for mycoplasma infection, the pathogen is less sensitive to it, or even disappears.
*: Healthy Beijing.