Azithromycin is an antibiotic drug from the “macrolides” family marketed in France since 2008 which can be prescribed in cases of otitis, tonsillitis or sexually transmitted infections.
Azithromycin is a medicine antibiotic of the family of “macrolides” marketed in France since 2008.“It’s not Penicillin, Dr Sebastian Marciano, general practitioner at the Paris Medical Emergency Department, immediately tells us. She acts mainly on atypical bacteria especially those with an intracellular mechanism.” Generally, macrolide antibiotics are used to treat respiratory tract infections (nose, throat, bronchi, lungs), mouth, ears, skin infections and genital infections. Once in the body, they modify the synthesis of bacterial proteins, which causes the death of bacteria. There are several types of macrolides, most are administered orally.
“Therezithromycin is generally used on ear infections or tonsillitis in case of allergy to penicillin, replies our interlocutor. ElIt is also widely used to treat sexually transmitted infections such as gonococcus And chlamydia.” L’hasZithromycin is also administered to people infected with the coronavirus but it is “off-label (marketing authorization) that is to say outside official recommendations” call the doctor
There are three major side effects associated with taking azithromycin: diarrhea, rash, and heart rhythm disturbances. Sometimes also vomiting, nausea and headache.
“Azithromycin is contraindicated in cases of allergy to this drug and in cases of conduction or heart rhythm disorders” inform the general practitioner. In addition, this antibiotic should never be used in cases of allergy to erythromycin, any other macrolide or ketolide, in combination with ergot alkaloids (dihydroergotamine, ergotamine), in combination with cisapride , in combination with colchicine and in cases of severe liver failure.
Azithromycin is an antibacterial molecule present in the original drug Zithromax®. It is particularly indicated in the treatment of certain infections caused by so-called sensitive germs, in particular certain tonsillitis, bronchitis and oral and dental infections. Zithromax® is marketed in tablet form and is administered orally. Azithromycin is also marketed in generic form by several laboratories. We find in French pharmacies: Azithromycin Arrow®, Azithromycin Biogaran®, Azithromycin Mylan®, Azithromycin Pfizer®, Azithromycin Sandoz®, Azithromycin Teva® or Azithromycin Zentiva®.
In town pharmacies, azithromycin is sold between 8 and 10 euros depending on whether it is the original drug or its generic form, and is reimbursed at 65%.
Source : Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2: recommendations on the use of anti-infectives. HCSP opinion. June 6, 2020.
Thanks to Dr Sebastian Marciano, general practitioner who works at the Paris Medical Emergency Department.