Is Zithromax available over the counter?

Treatment for bacterial infections is primarily through antibiotics, and most antibiotics treat multiple conditions or types of infections. For instance, Zithromax is an antibiotic medication that is prescribed to treat various bacterial infections. Due to its popularity and ability to treat multiple types of infections, patients often attempt to purchase it over the counter. Following sub sections offer all important details about the antibiotic, and also answer the question – is Zithromax available over the counter? This will help individuals take necessary precautions to prevent antibiotic resistance.

Overview of Zithromax

Brand name for azithromycin, the antibiotic is used for treating the following bacterial conditions, that are susceptible:

Respiratory tract infections: The antibiotic is prescribed to treat pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinusitis. It helps clear up the infection and alleviate symptoms such as coughing, congestion, and difficulty breathing.
Skin and soft tissue infections: The drug is also used to treat skin and soft tissue infections caused by bacteria, including cellulitis, impetigo, and infected wounds.
Sexually transmitted infections: Treatment of sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea also include the use of this antibiotic as a combination with other medications.
Ear infections: The drug is effective in treating certain types of ear infections, – middle ear infection outer ear infection.
Other infections: Additionally, the drug is also used to treat other types of bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections and certain types of gastrointestinal infections.

Zithromax is not effective against viral infections, including common cold or the flu. Overuse and inappropriate use of antibiotics may result in antibiotic resistance, a growing concern in healthcare.

Strength and dosage of Zithromax

The antibiotic is available in different forms – tablets, capsules, and oral suspension. The appropriate strength and dosage of Zithromax depends on the condition being treated, the severity of the infection, and other factors such as age, weight, and overall health. Here are some commonly prescribed dosages of Zithromax; it is to be noted that these strengths are only for the purpose of reference, and the actual strength will be determined by the treating specialist.

Respiratory infections: For mild-to-moderate community-acquired pneumonia, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, and sinusitis, the recommended dosage is 500 mg once daily for 3 days. For more severe respiratory infections, such as Legionnaires’ disease, the recommended dosage is 500 mg once daily for 7-10 days.
Skin and soft tissue infections: The recommended dosage for skin and soft tissue infections is 500 mg once daily for 3 days.
Sexually transmitted infections: For uncomplicated genital infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the recommended dosage is a single 1-gram dose of Zithromax. For Mycoplasma genitalium infections, the recommended dosage is 500 mg once daily for 3 days.
Other infections: Zithromax may also be used to treat other types of infections, such as ear infections, Lyme disease, and certain gastrointestinal infections. The recommended dosage varies depending on the type and severity of the infection.

Mechanism of action of Zithromax

This drug is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including both gram-positive and gram-negative species, as well as some atypical pathogens such as Mycoplasma and Chlamydia. Belonging to the category of macrolides, Zithromax works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the bacterial ribosome, responsible for assembling proteins from amino acids. Zithromax binds to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, preventing the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids. Consequently, this blocks the elongation of the growing protein chain. This ultimately results in the death of susceptible bacteria, due to the inability to produce the proteins necessary for survival and replication.

The antibiotic is unique with a long half-life, permitting single daily doses with shorter treatment durations compared to other antibiotics. Most of the other categories or types of antibiotics typically require more frequent dosing.

Side effects of Zithromax

All medications come with the possibility of side effects and Zithromax is no exception. Common reported undesirable outcomes of Zithromax include:

Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite.
Headache and dizziness
Skin reactions with symptoms such as outbreak of rashes, itching, and hives.
Changes in taste or smell, with a distinct metallic taste in the mouth
Liver problems, though rare in occurrence are a possibility resulting in liver damage, with symptoms such as yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Heart problems that may sometimes be serious in nature, such as heart rhythm disorders called QT prolongation. This is sometimes known to result in fainting, palpitations, or sudden death in certain circumstances.

Drug interactions of Zithromax

The antibiotic may interact with other medications, supplements, and food products, some of which are listed below.

Antacids with aluminum or magnesium may reduce the absorption of Zithromax. It is recommended to take these two medications with a gap of 2 hours.
When taken with Warfarin, the interaction may increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding. The dosage of warfarin needs to be modified and the patient needs to be monitored closely to take suitable remedial actions in the event of any adverse outcomes.
When taken along with Digoxin, Zithromax may increase the concentration of digoxin in the blood, increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity. It will therefore be necessary to adjust the dosage accordingly.
Concentration levels of cyclosporine in the blood may increase when taken with Zithromax, increasing risk of toxicity. It is therefore necessary to adjust cyclosporine dosage accordingly.
Zithromax prolongs the QT interval and when taken with drugs that also extend the QT interval, this may increase the risk of serious heart rhythm problems. Zithromax is not to be used in combination with other medications that have a mechanism of action of prolonging QT interval. For instance, certain antiarrhythmic drugs, antipsychotic medications, and some antidepressants have a mechanism of action of prolonging the QT interval.