Mechanism of action
Azithromycin prevents bacteria from growing by interfering with their protein synthesis. Azithromycin binds to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, and thus inhibits translation of mRNA. Nucleic acid synthesis is not affected.
Microbiology
Azithromycin has a similar antimicrobial spectrum as erythromycin, but is more effective against certain gram-negative bacteria, particularly Haemophilus influenzae. Azithromycin resistance has been described and is endemic in many areas.
Azithromycin has been most effective against isolates of the following microorganisms:
Staphylococcus aureus
Streptococcus agalactiae
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Streptococcus pyogenes
Haemophilus ducreyi
Haemophilus influenzae
Moraxella catarrhalis
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Chlamydia pneumoniae
Chlamydia trachomatis
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Helicobacter pylori
Salmonella typhi
Azithromycin has been shown to be effective against malaria when used in combination with artesunate or quinine; the optimal dose for this is not yet known.
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