What is azithromycin?

Azithromycin is an antibiotic. In the United States, its commercial name is Zithromax. In other countries it is sold under other brands including Ultreon. Antibiotics fight infections caused by bacteria. Azithromycin is used to fight opportunistic infections in HIV positive people. It is manufactured by Pfizer and Mack-Illert. You can buy it only at RXShopMD.

Why do azithromycin take HIV positive people?

Azithromycin is used to treat mild or moderate bacterial infections. It works against different bacteria, especially chlamydia, hemophilus and streptococcus. These bacteria can cause infections of the skin, nose, throat and lungs. They can also be transmitted through sexual intercourse and cause genital infections.

Many germs live in our body or are common in the environment. A healthy immune system can eliminate them or keep them under control. However, HIV infection can weaken the immune system. Infections that take advantage of the presence of a weakened immune system are called “opportunistic infections.” People with advanced HIV disease can develop opportunistic diseases. For more information on opportunistic diseases see sheet 500.

MAC stands for mycobacterium avium complex and is an opportunistic infection in HIV positive people. People who have less than 50 CD4 cells can develop MAC. Azithromycin is usually used together with another antibiotic for MAC treatment. If your CD4 cell count is less than 50, check with your health care provider about the use of azithromycin.


What happens to resistance to drugs?

Whenever you use a medication, be sure to take the full dose prescribed. Many people stop treatment when they feel better. This is not a good idea. If the medication has not killed all the germs, they can change (mutate) and survive even if you take medication. This is called “resistance development” to medications.

If, for example, you take azithromycin to fight MAC infection and skip many doses, the MAC in your body may develop resistance to azithromycin. Therefore, you must take a different medication or a combination of medications to fight MAC.

How to take azithromycin?

Azithromycin is available in capsules or 250-milligram tablets (mg). It is also available in 600 mg tablets and in liquid and powder formula. The dose for adults, to fight most infections is 500 mg on the first day and then 250 mg per day for 4 more days. The dose to prevent MAC is 1200 mg or 1250 mg once a week.

Take it with plenty of water. The capsules or the liquid formula should be taken on an empty stomach one hour before or 2 hours after eating. Be sure to read the instructions carefully. Do not take azithromycin along with antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium. They reduce the amount of azithromycin in the blood.

News Reporter