In this video we will cover everything you need to know about Azithromycin, also known as Zithromax. We will discuss how and when to use it, we will cover its side effects, dosage and much, much more.

Generic name: Azithromycin.
Brand names: Zithromax.
Available as a tablets and suspension.

How to use it?
- Tablet: just swallow it whole with half a glass of water.
- Suspension: add the right amount to a cup of water, using a measuring spoon or cup. Drink the water.
Furthermore it is best to take azithromycin at a fixed time, this makes you less likely to forget a dose. You could do this before, during or after a meal.

When to use it?
Azithromycin is part of a group of antibiotics called Macrolide. They can be used to treat infectious with several types of bacteria. For example:
- Infections of the respiratory tract, like a pneumonia.
- Infections of someone's urogenital tract, like STI’s or an urinary tract infection
- Infections of the skin, like a wound infection
- And gastrointestinal infections, like a throat infection.

What is the correct dosage?
The precise dose will depend on your specific indication of use, the side effect you might experience and the severity of your symptoms. Therefore always use the precise amount and frequency your doctor prescribed you.
- However, when treating most infections in adults and children weighing more than 45 kg, your doctor might prescribe a dose of 500 mg 1×/day for 3-5 days.
- One of the exceptions is when treating Chlamydia. Then your doctor might prescribe an one time dose of 1000mg.

What are the side-effects?
- Very common (10%): nausea, abdominal pain, flatulence and diarrhoea.
- Common (1-10%): vomiting, skin rash, itching, joint pain, fatigue, dizziness, headache, taste disturbance, visual impairment and deafness.
- Uncommon (0.1-1%): palpitations, inflammation of your stomach, liver or vagina, hypersensitivity, skin rash, tinnitus, drowsiness, insomnia, chest pain, edema and nervousness.
- Rare (0.01-0.1%): irritability, vertigo, liver dysfunction and various serious side effects.

Safety:
First of all there are no limitations for this drug regarding the usage of alcohol or driving a car.
However, Azithromycin can have interactions with other drugs your are taking. Always discuss this with your prescribing doctor.
Lastly, Azithromycin can usually be used safely when pregnant or when breastfeeding, but again discuss this with your personal doctor.

- Disclaimer: this video and the comments are meant purely informational! This is not medical advice! If you are looking for medical advice always contact your own doctor. -

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- Sebastian Houwing: Investor

Literature:
1: Farmacotherapeutisch Kompas. (2021). Azithromycine.
2: Apotheek.nl (2021). Azithromycine.

* The images in this video are used for educational purposes only. Most of the images and videos in this video come from https://www.canva.com/.

Music:
1. Polaroid Memories - DivKid

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