Drug

Citromax®

introduction

Citromax® (also Zithromax) is the trade name of a drug. The active ingredient it contains is the antibiotic azithromycin. This works against various bacterial infections.
Citromax® requires a prescription and can only be prescribed by a doctor. Citromax® film-coated tablets are available in various doses (250mg, 500mg and 600mg azithromycin). In addition, the active ingredient azithromycin is also offered as eye drops and as an infusion solution.

Active ingredient

The active ingredient in Citromax®, azithromycin, is antibacterial.

In addition to azithromycin, the active ingredients erythromycin, clarithromycin, roxithromycin and many more also count. to the group of macrolide antibiotics. These inhibit the reproduction of bacteria by inhibiting protein synthesis in the bacteria. The human protein synthesis is not attacked because it is made in human cells by different enzymes than in bacterial cells. Since macrolides, e.g. Citromax® only inhibit bacterial growth, but do not kill the bacteria, we speak of a bacteriostatic effect. Macrolides only work against dividing bacteria, while they are ineffective against dormant bacteria.

In addition to this direct bacteriostatic effect, there are indications that the immune system is influenced by macrolides. This effect occurs even in low doses and is particularly effective positive for chronic inflammation.

application areas

Citromax® acts against a large number of bacteria and is therefore one of the Broad spectrum antibiotics. I.e. it is usually used initially as long as the exact pathogen has not yet been found (calculated antibiotic therapy). If this is known, a switch should be made to a drug that is specifically effective against this pathogen. Thus can Resistances be prevented by bacteria against certain antibiotics (specific antibiotic therapy).

In particular be Macrolides applied to Penicillin allergy and Infections With Staphylococci, Streptococci and Pneumococci. In addition, macrolides also act against pathogens that cause the respiratory tract attack (Haemophilus influenza) and also against bacteria, which multiply within the cells (Legionella, Chlamydia, Mycoplasma).

In particular Citromax®, or the antibiotic azithromycin in the form of Tablets or as Infusion solution in the inpatient area, is considered the drug of first choice for a lung infection in the home environment.

Even with certain Sexually transmitted diseases (Gonnorrhea, infection with Chlamydia trachomatis) azithromycin is prescribed. Even against certain atypical mycobacteria (e.g. Mycobacterium avium) works Citromax®.

Common diseases that can be treated with Citromax® are

Respiratory infections: Sinusitis (Sinus infection), Pharyngitis (inflammation of the throat), otitis (inflammation of the ear), Tonsillitis (Tonsillitis), Pneumonia (pneumonia)
Infections from skin and Soft tissue
Infections by Chlamydia in the genital area (inflammation of the urethra or cervix)
Inflammation in the Eye area: purulent conjunctivitis

Taking Citromax®

The Tablets should whole be taken. This can be done with the meal. Only that simultaneous Ingestion of drugs to lower the Gastric acid production (Antacids) should avoided become. We recommend a break of 60-120 minutes between taking medication.

The duration of the intake is on average three to five days, the once daily intake enough. In children, the dose depends on their body weight.

Side effects

Overall, the Macrolide antibiotics, like Citromax®, well tolerated.

General side effects: allergic skin reactions, nausea, Vomit, diarrhea, a headache
QT time extension by Citromax®: Citromax® can lead to a delay in the electrical conduction of the heart. This can lead to a prolonged QT interval, which in turn leads to other factors. also life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias can trigger. Therefore, before taking a EKG written from the heart and concomitant use of other drugs with this side effect should be avoided.
intolerance in the simultaneous use of the following drugs: i.a. Statins, Terfenadine, theophylline, Carbamazepine. Here it can be due to drug breakdown interactions Fluctuations in drug levels come.

Please also read our article on this Antibiotic side effects

pregnancy and breast feeding period

application of Citromax® in the pregnancy:

It has not been conclusively clarified whether Citromax® leads to harm to the unborn child. However, it currently exists no contraindication for the use of this medicine during pregnancy.

Please also read: Medication during pregnancy

application of Citromax® in the Lactation:

Even during the Lactation women can take Citromax®. Sometimes it comes underneath Diarrhea in the infant. It is recommended that you express your milk while you are taking antibiotics and after third day to termination breastfeeding again after taking medication.

Please also read: Medication during breastfeeding