Praktické lekárnictvo 4/2016

Azithromycin – advantages and disadvantages of treatment

Pharmacodynamic properties of widely used macrolide antibiotic azithromycin are described at the beginning of a review article. Next part deals with pharmacokinetic effects, adverse effects, potential drug-drug interactions and therapeutic use of azithromycin. Finally, advantages and disadvantages of azithromycin are summarized. Azithromycin has favorable pharmacokinetic profile, in particular an excellent distribution into the tissues. In terms of potential interactions azithromycin in contrast to the other macrolide antibiotics does not affect CYP3A4 isoenzyme. The disadvantage is that like other macrolide antibiotics azithromycin may induce ventricular dysrhythmias.

Keywords: azithromycin, macrolide antibiotics, pharmacokinetics, risk-benefit, QT interval prolongation