Azithromycin|Structure|Mechanism of action|Doses|Uses| Side-effects|

 Azithromycin 

Azithromycin is a semi-synthetic macrolide antibiotic, which is used in the treatment of several bacterial infections like pneumonia, ear and throat infections, ulcer, etc. It is derived from erythromycin. Azithromycin is a white crystalline powder that, is soluble in water and methanol. Azithromycin is highly soluble in low pH. The molecular weight of azithromycin is 749gm/mol. It is also known as, Zitromax, Azitromax, Hemomycin, Azitrocinet, etc.

Structure:

The molecular formula of azithromycin is,[C38H72N2O12].

The IUPAC name of azithromycin is, (2R,3S,4R,5R,8R,10R,11R,12S,13S,14R)-11-[(2S,3R,4S,6R)-4-(dimethylamino)-3-hydroxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl] oxy-2-ethyl-3,4,10-trihydroxy-13-[(2R,4R,5S,6S)-5-hydroxy-4-methoxy-4,6-dimethyloxan-2yl]oxy-3,5,6,8,10,12,14-heptamethyl-1-oxa-6-azacyclopentadecan-15-one.

Mechanism of action:

Azithromycin stops the bacterial protein synthesis, it binds with 2S rRNA of the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit. Due to this its stop the transpeptidation/translocation step of bacterial protein synthesis. By this mechanism, azithromycin kills the bacteria.

Uses:

It is used in the treatment of several bacterial infections like,

1. Pneumonia. 
2. COPD.
3. Gonorrhea.
4. Ear infections.
5. Throat infections. 
6. Ulcer.
7. Urinary tract infections. 
8. Reproductive organ infections. 
9. Sinuse.
10. Bronchitis.

Doses:

For the treatment of pneumonia, the usual adult dose is 500mg orally, two times daily for 3 or 5 days. The pediatric dose is 10ml oral suspension two times daily for 5 days.

For the treatment of ulcers, the usual adult dose is 500mg orally every day for 3 or 5 days. The pediatric dose is 10ml  oral suspension once daily for 3 or 5 days.

For the treatment of Gonorrhea, the usual adult dose is 1mg orally once a day with other medication. 

Side-effects:

The overdose of azithromycin shows several side effects like,

1. Diarrhea. 
2. Stomach upset. 
3. Vomiting. 
4. Weak immune system. 
5. Abdominal pain.
6. Heart problems.