Azithromycin for strep throat

Antibiotic meds are prescribed to fight bacterial infections. These meds have the capabilities to inhibit progression or kill bacterial strands. However, these drugs have very limited or no potential to treat infections caused by viruses. In order to treat viral infections, your caregiving team is likely to prescribe antiviral meds. Similarly, antibiotics may not effective in managing infections caused by fungi or yeast. As the symptoms of viral infections are quite similar to bacterial infections, you are advised to consult a qualified caregiver. Azithromycin is one of the widely used antibiotic meds. But, is azithromycin good for strep throat? It helps to know more on this front.

Most strands of bacteria are quite harmless, and in fact, beneficial to human beings. But, a few strands of bacteria – when they grow disproportionately – can cause infectious conditions. Numerous pathogenic strands can overpower safeguarding mechanisms of your body. Often, bacterial attacks start on the skin and spread deeper over a period of time. If left unchecked, these infections can get into your tissues and infect key organs like lungs, urinary tract, kidneys, etc.

Antibiotics are a genre of medications used for the treatment of a board range of bacterial infections. Use of antibiotics became more pronounced in the 20^th century. Alexander Fleming is credited with the discovery of the modern-day penicillin in the last 1920s. Since then, antibiotics have become a common item in medication plans to fight bacterial infections.

In this milieu, what is azithromycin?

Azithromycin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic medication. It is known for its ability to treat a range of infectious conditions. Caregiver prescribe it for inner-ear infections, lung infections such as pneumonia, intestinal conditions, etc. It is also administered along with a few other meds for the case management and treatment of malarial infection. This med is available in multiple forms viz., an oral pill, intravenous injection and also as eye drops.

Azithromycin was launched for commercial use in the late 1980s. It is indeed listed as part of the essential medications of the WHO. The good thing is this med is also available as a generic med; this means you can buy it at relatively lesser cost than its branded counterpart.

Is azithromycin good for strep throat?

Strep throat is a commonly experienced infectious condition. You tend to witness yellowing of tonsil in patches, fever and soreness of throat. Azithromycin is prescribed to people living with strep throat; especially, those allergic to first-line antibiotics like penicillin.

Key chemicals of azithromycin target a genre of bacteria called Streptococcus. This strand is largely responsible for strep throat. However, azithromycin is not the most preferred treatment for such conditions.

You are advised to take a lot of fluids. In some cases, NSAIDs like ibuprofen are prescribed to minimise symptoms of strep throat. Medication plan involves taking this antibiotic for 6 days. The typical dose is once per day. Standard azithromycin dosage for strep throat adults is 500 milligrams (mg) at start of treatment. Azithromycin for strep throat dosage is reduced to 250 mg for rest of your treatment.

Points you must know while taking azithromycin

If you have prior allergies or hypersensitivity to active items present in azithromycin, your caregiver must know of such conditions. Also, those with liver problems – like cirrhosis or hepatitis – must stay away from taking azithromycin. Lastly, this antibiotic med is not safe for those aged under 2 years and also for women who are pregnant or nursing an infant.

Upon sensing side effects like drop in appetite, diarrhea, etc., tell your doctor without delay. If soreness of throat persists after taking azithromycin, seek medical support quickly. Above all, it is a safe thing to tell your doctor of all meds you are currently taking. If you are interested in knowing azithromycin dose for strep throat, consult with a physician or pharmacist.

Disclaimer

Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.