Azithromycin Used For Throat Pain
pronounced as (az ith roe mye’ sin) Azithromycin is used to treat certain bacterial infections, such as bronchitis; pneumonia; sexually transmitted diseases (STD); and infections of the ears, lungs, sinuses, skin, throat, and reproductive organs. Azithromycin also is used to treat or prevent disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection,
Azithromycin is in a class of medications called macrolide antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics such as azithromycin will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Using antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.
Azithromycin comes as a tablet, an extended-release (long-acting) suspension (liquid), and a suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. The tablets and suspension (Zithromax) are usually taken with or without food once a day for 1-5 days. When used for the prevention of disseminated MAC infection, azithromycin tablets are usually taken with or without food once weekly.
The extended-release suspension (Zmax) is usually taken on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal) as a one-time dose. To help you remember to take azithromycin, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Take azithromycin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly. Use a dosing spoon, oral syringe, or measuring cup to measure the correct amount of medication.
Rinse the measuring device with water after taking the full dose of medication. If you receive azithromycin powder for suspension (Zithromax) in the single-dose, 1-gram packet, you must first mix it with water before you take the medication. Mix the contents of the 1-gram packet with 1/4 cup (60 mL) of water in a glass and consume the entire contents immediately.
Add an additional 1/4 cup (60 mL) of water to the same glass, mix, and consume the entire contents to ensure that you receive the entire dose. If you receive azithromycin extended-release suspension (Zmax) as a dry powder, you must first add water to the bottle before you take the medication.
Open the bottle by pressing down on the cap and twisting. Measure 1/4 cup (60 mL) of water, and add to the bottle. Close the bottle tightly, and shake well to mix. Use the azithromycin extended-release suspension within 12 hours of receiving it from the pharmacy or after adding water to the powder. If you vomit within an hour after taking azithromycin, call your doctor right away.
Your doctor will tell you if you need to take another dose. Do not take another dose unless your doctor tells you to do so. You should begin to feel better during the first few days of treatment with azithromycin. If your symptoms do not improve, or get worse, call your doctor.
- Take azithromycin until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better.
- Do not stop taking azithromycin unless you experience the severe side effects described in the SIDE EFFECTS section.
- If you stop taking azithromycin too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient. Azithromycin is also used sometimes to treat H. pylori infection, travelers’ diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal infections; Legionnaires’ disease (a type of lung infection); pertussis (whooping cough; a serious infection that can cause severe coughing); Lyme disease (an infection that may develop after a person is bitten by a tick); and babesiosis (an infectious disease carried by ticks).
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Can we use azithromycin for throat pain?
Dosing – The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
- For oral dosage form (extended-release suspension):
- For treatment of pneumonia:
- Adults—2 grams (g) once as a single dose.
- Children weighing 34 kilograms (kg) or more—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 2 grams once a day, taken as a single dose.
- Children 6 months of age and older weighing less than 34 kg—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 60 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight once a day, taken as a single dose.
- For treatment of sinusitis:
- Adults—2 grams (g) once a day as a single dose.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For treatment of pneumonia:
- For oral dosage forms (suspension or tablets):
- For treatment of infections:
- Adults—500 to 2000 milligrams (mg) once a day, taken as a single dose. Depending on the type of infection, this may be followed with doses of 250 to 500 mg once a day for several days.
- Children 6 months of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 10 to 30 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight once a day, taken as a single dose. Depending on the type of infection, this may be followed with doses of 5 to 10 mg per kg of body weight once a day for several days.
- Children younger than 6 months of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For treatment of pharyngitis or tonsillitis:
- Adults—500 milligrams (mg) on Day 1 (the first day), taken as a single dose. Then, 250 mg on Day 2 through Day 5.
- Children 2 years of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 12 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight once a day for 5 days.
- Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For treatment of infections:
What antibiotic is good for throat pain?
How do you get rid of strep throat? – Strep throat treatment includes antibiotics, An antibiotic is a type of medicine that kills the bacteria that cause an infection. Penicillin and amoxicillin are common antibiotics healthcare providers use to treat strep throat.
If you’re allergic to penicillin, the provider can prescribe another antibiotic. A healthcare provider may give you an antibiotic shot, or they may prescribe an antibiotic in either pill or liquid form. You’ll usually take the pills or liquid for 10 days. Follow your provider’s instructions. You should take all of the medication, even if you feel better.
The bacteria can still be alive even if you’re feeling well.
Do I need antibiotics for throat pain?
How to Feel Better – Some ways you can feel better when you have a sore throat:
Suck on ice chips, popsicles, or lozenges (do not give lozenges to children younger than 2 years). Use a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer. Gargle with salt water. Drink warm beverages and plenty of fluids. Use honey to relieve cough for adults and children at least 1 year of age or older. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about over-the-counter medicines that can help you feel better. Always use over-the-counter medicines as directed.
Carefully read and follow instructions on over-the-counter medicine product labels before giving medicines to children. Some over-the-counter medicines are not recommended for children of certain ages.
Pain relievers:
Children younger than 6 months: only give acetaminophen. Children 6 months or older: it is OK to give acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Never give aspirin to children because it can cause Reye’s syndrome. Reye’s syndrome is a very serious, but rare illness that can harm the liver and brain.
Cough and cold medicines:
Children younger than 4 years old: do not use over-the-counter cough and cold medicines in young children unless a doctor specifically tells you to. Cough and cold medicines can result in serious and sometimes life-threatening side effects in young children. Children 4 years or older: discuss with your child’s doctor if over-the-counter cough and cold medicines are safe to give to your child.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the right dosage of over-the-counter medicines for your child’s age and size. Also, tell your child’s doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines they are taking. You can help prevent sore throats by doing your best to stay healthy and keep others healthy, including:
, Avoid close contact with people who have sore throats, colds, or other upper respiratory infections. Don’t smoke and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.
: Suffering from a sore throat?Is throat pain a bacterial infection?
A sore throat is pain, scratchiness or irritation of the throat that often worsens when you swallow. The most common cause of a sore throat (pharyngitis) is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. A sore throat caused by a virus resolves on its own.
Pain or a scratchy sensation in the throat Pain that worsens with swallowing or talking Difficulty swallowing Sore, swollen glands in your neck or jaw Swollen, red tonsils White patches or pus on your tonsils A hoarse or muffled voice
What if your throat hurts but not sick?
When to worry about a sore throat Having a sore throat can be uncomfortable, or worse. In many cases, sore throats are caused by viral infections but an expert at Baylor College of Medicine says that although this may be the most common cause; multiple health conditions may play a role in having an itchy, irritated and painful throat.
“The most common reason for someone to develop a sore throat would be a virus, and this is often accompanied by a runny nose, cough or malaise,” said, assistant professor of otolaryngology at Baylor. A severe sore throat may be an indication of possible strep throat, a bacterial infection. Individuals who develop strep throat often have high fevers or pus on the tonsils; however, Ongkasuwan said many other viral infections may be associated with high fevers so she recommends visiting your doctor for a throat swab.
“For most people experiencing a sore throat, I generally recommend rest and hydration. If you are highly concerned then you should get a strep swab, and you really shouldn’t take antibiotics unless the strep swab is positive,” she said. Those who experience strep throat multiple times a year may be a candidate for tonsillectomy.
According to the Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, if an individual has documented strep throat seven times in one year, five times per year for two consecutive years, or three times per year for three consecutive years, they can consider having their tonsils removed,” Ongkasuwan said.
Other health conditions that can cause sore throat are reflux, tonsil stones, muscle tension, and mononucleosis, also known as mono. Acid reflux can cause heartburn and if the acid reaches the throat it can also lead to throat discomfort. Tonsil stones refer to food debris that get stuck in the tonsils resulting in inflammation and irritation.
For throat pain that persists beyond three weeks and is accompanied by difficulty swallowing or weight loss, Ongkasuwan recommends visiting a doctor to rule out any severe health conditions. There are ways to sooth a sore throat without having to take antibiotics, such as non-caffeinated warm tea or hot water with honey.
“Sore throats are very common. While viral infections are the most common cause, severe or persistent pain may be indicative of a more serious problem. If your throat pain lasts longer than 3 weeks or if you are concerned, visit your local doctor.” : When to worry about a sore throat
Should I take azithromycin for 3 days or 5 days?
Cited by –
Network meta-analysis of success rate and safety in antibiotic treatments of bronchitis. Wang J, Xu H, Liu P, Li M. Wang J, et al. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis.2017 Aug 9;12:2391-2405. doi: 10.2147/COPD.S139521. eCollection 2017. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis.2017. PMID: 28848340 Free PMC article. Review. Azithromycin for acute lower respiratory tract infections. Laopaiboon M, Panpanich R, Swa Mya K. Laopaiboon M, et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2015 Mar 8;2015(3):CD001954. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD001954.pub4. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2015. PMID: 25749735 Free PMC article. Review. Antibiotics for community-acquired pneumonia in adult outpatients. Pakhale S, Mulpuru S, Verheij TJ, Kochen MM, Rohde GG, Bjerre LM. Pakhale S, et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2014 Oct 9;2014(10):CD002109. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD002109.pub4. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2014. PMID: 25300166 Free PMC article. Review. Fluorescence determination of azithromycin in pharmaceutical formulations by using the synchronous scanning approach after its acid derivatization. Almeida VG, Braga VS, Pacheco WF, Cassella RJ. Almeida VG, et al. J Fluoresc.2013 Jan;23(1):31-9. doi: 10.1007/s10895-012-1111-8. Epub 2012 Aug 29. J Fluoresc.2013. PMID: 22926502 Use of azithromycin in the treatment of acute exacerbations of COPD. Milstone AP. Milstone AP. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis.2008;3(4):515-20. doi: 10.2147/copd.s1189. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis.2008. PMID: 19281070 Free PMC article. Review.
When is throat pain serious?
What can I expect if I have a sore throat? – Most of the time, a sore throat isn’t a serious medical issue. Most sore throats go away within a few days. You should contact a healthcare provider if your sore throat lasts longer than a few days or if you have a sore throat and the following issues:
Severe throat pain. Trouble breathing or swallowing. A fever, especially if it’s over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). A visible bulge in the back of your throat. Blood in your saliva or phlegm. Extreme tiredness. Rash anywhere on your body.
What causes the worst throat pain?
What causes a sore throat? – Most sore throats are caused by viruses, such as the cold or flu virus. Some of the more serious causes of sore throat include tonsillitis, strep throat, and mononucleosis (mono), Other causes include smoking, mouth breathing at night while you sleep, pollution, and allergies to pets, pollens and molds. General anesthesia during surgery can also cause a sore throat.
Why is my throat hurting so badly?
Common causes A sore throat is often a symptom of: colds or flu – you may also have a blocked or runny nose, a cough, a high temperature (fever), a headache and general aches. laryngitis (inflammation of the voice box) – you may also have a hoarse voice, a dry cough and a constant need to clear your throat.
Which is best for sore throat azithromycin or erythromycin?
Azithromycin is an antibiotic derived from erythromycin. It is used to treat bacterial infections and is more effective against specific bacterial species than erythromycin. Unlike erythromycin, azithromycin is eliminated from the body very slowly, allowing many infections to be treated with 3-5 days of once-daily administration of azithromycin. Can azithromycin treat pneumonia? A study on pneumonia patients hospitalised with pneumonia has shown that patient mortality rate is lower when Azithromycin is administered within the first 90 days of hospitalisation. This study supports the current Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA)/American Thoracic Society (ATS) guidelines for community-acquired pneumonia that recommend the use of azithromycin as part of combination therapy for patients hospitalized with pneumonia, states Dr Eric M Mortensen (Dallas VA Medical Center, TX).
- For elderly patients who are ill with pneumonia, it is an almost-fatal condition.
- The odds were progressively lower for those patients who were prescribed azithromycin at 10, 30, and 90 days.
- At 90 days, 17.4% of patients administered azithromycin had expired compared to 22.3% of those administered another anti-bacterial.
Though the number of women in the study was very small, women treated with azithromycin did not have an increased risk of myocardial infarction. Azithromycin uses include strep throat, which causes inflammation and pain in the throat. Though common in children between age 5 to 15 years, adults too can contract this infection.
- Azithromycin also treats chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- It is an obstructive lung disease where the airways become thick and inflamed, developing with shortness of breath and cough.
- When a low-dose of antibiotic azithromycin anti-inflammatory for treating COPD was administered for a minimum of three months – less cell death and decreased inflammation was observed.
The authors of the study speculate that azithromycin’s anti-inflammatory effect gives an alternative to the persistent damage to epithelial cells in COPD patients. These findings may lead to better treatment outcomes in COPD drug development. More uses for azithromycin are yet to be discovered.
What is difference between amoxicillin and azithromycin?
Summary – Amoxicillin (Moxatag) vs. azithromycin (Zithromax) are antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections of the middle ear, tonsils, throat, larynx (laryngitis), bronchi (bronchitis), lungs (pneumonia), urinary tract, skin, and some sexually transmitted diseases.