Azithromycin - JASE Medical

Condition Closeup: Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Community-acquired pneumonia is much more common than most people realize.

Antibiotic Intervention Secondary Image

Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Common and Serious Health Concern

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a widespread and potentially serious infection of the lungs that affects millions of people each year. Acquired outside of healthcare settings, CAP can range from mild to severe and can lead to significant complications if not treated promptly and appropriately. Understanding its prevalence, causes, symptoms, risks, and treatment options is crucial for effective management and prevention of serious health outcomes.

Prevalence and Causes

CAP is a common illness, particularly during the fall and winter months. It is one of the leading causes of hospitalization and death worldwide, especially among the elderly, young children, and individuals with underlying health conditions. The condition is primarily caused by bacterial pathogens, with the most common being Streptococcus pneumoniae. Other bacteria, such as Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila, can also cause CAP.

 

| CAP is the second most common cause of hospitalizations and the most common infectious cause of death among adults in the U.S., resulting in 4.5 million outpatient or emergency room visits annually. |

 

 

How People Often Get It

People can contract CAP through various means, most commonly through inhalation of respiratory droplets containing infectious pathogens. This can occur through:

 

  • Close contact with an infected person: Being near someone who is coughing or sneezing.
  • Aspiration: Inhaling food, drink, or vomit into the lungs.
  • Underlying health conditions: Chronic illnesses like COPD, diabetes, or heart disease can increase susceptibility.
Antibiotic Intervention Secondary Image

Symptoms

The symptoms of CAP can range from mild to severe and typically include:

  • Persistent cough, often producing phlegm or pus
  • Fever and chills
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Chest pain that worsens with breathing or coughing
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Confusion, particularly in older adults

Risks of Non-Treatment

If CAP is not treated promptly with appropriate antibiotics, it can lead to severe health complications, including:

  • Bacteremia: The infection can spread to the bloodstream, causing sepsis, a life-threatening condition.
  • Pleural Effusion: Fluid can accumulate around the lungs, requiring drainage.
  • Lung Abscess: Pus-filled cavities can form in the lung tissue.
  • Respiratory Failure: Severe infection can prevent adequate oxygen from reaching the bloodstream.
  • Chronic Respiratory Problems: Long-term damage to the lungs can occur, especially in those with pre-existing conditions.
Antibiotic Intervention Secondary Image

Treatment Options

Timely antibiotic treatment is essential to manage CAP effectively and prevent complications. The choice of antibiotic depends on the severity of the illness, the patient’s health status, and local resistance patterns. Commonly used antibiotics include:

Azithromycin

    • Effective against a wide range of bacteria, including atypical pathogens like Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila.
    • Usually well-tolerated with a convenient dosing regimen.

Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (Augmentin):

    • Often used for mild to moderate cases of CAP.
    • Effective against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae, including beta-lactamase-producing strains.

Doxycycline:

    • An alternative for patients with penicillin allergies.
    • Effective against Streptococcus pneumoniae and atypical pathogens.

Fluoroquinolones (e.g., Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin):

    • Effective against a wide range of bacteria, including drug-resistant strains.
    • Often used for more severe cases or when there are concerns about antibiotic resistance.

Ceftriaxone (Rocephin):

    • A third-generation cephalosporin commonly used in hospitalized patients with more severe infections.

In addition to these, several other antibiotics can be used based on the specific clinical scenario and patient factors. Always consult with a healthcare professional on the best course of treatment for any condition.

 

Azithromycin, amoxicillin-clauvinate, and doxycycline all come in every standard Jase Case.

 

Community-acquired pneumonia is a common and potentially serious condition that requires prompt and effective treatment to prevent complications. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking early medical intervention can lead to better outcomes and quicker recovery. With a range of effective antibiotics available, patients have multiple options for treatment. Consulting with healthcare professionals to choose the best course of action is essential for managing CAP and minimizing the risk of severe health consequences.

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

Recent Posts

Keeping you informed and safe.

Low-Cost and No-Cost Emergency Preparedness Measures

Low-Cost and No-Cost Emergency Preparedness Measures

Small steps today, mean a safer tomorrow for you and your loved ones. Low-Cost and No-Cost Emergency Preparedness So far in our series for National Preparedness Month this September, we've already covered How to Make an Emergency Plan for Your Household and How to...

read more
How to Build A Home Emergency Kit

How to Build A Home Emergency Kit

A thoughtfully crafted emergency kit can become a lifeline for your family after a disaster. How to Build a Home Emergency Kit In an unpredictable world, being prepared for emergencies is not just a precaution—it's a necessity. A well-stocked home emergency kit can be...

read more
How to Make an Emergency Plan for Your Household

How to Make an Emergency Plan for Your Household

Planning is the difference between panic, and preparedness.  How to Make an Emergency Plan for Your Household When disaster strikes, the difference between panic and composure often comes down to one thing: preparation. While we can't predict emergencies, we can...

read more
What to Do if Your Medication is Out of Stock?

What to Do if Your Medication is Out of Stock?

You depend on your medications, but what if you can't get them?   Navigating Prescription Stockouts Being prepared could save your life. In recent years, prescription drug shortages have become an increasingly common and distressing problem for patients across...

read more

Join Our Newsletter

Our mission is to help you be more medically prepared. Join our newsletter and follow us on social media for health and safety tips each week!

How Long Do My Meds Last? A Look at Azithromycin

(They may last longer than you think)

Azithromycin is a type of macrolide antibiotic. It works by decreasing the production of protein and stopping bacterial growth. Other macrolide antibiotics include clarithromycin and erythromycin.

Because of the anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties of Azithromycin, this antibiotic was used extensively for mild to moderate symptoms of Covid during the pandemic; however, a study published by the American Family Physician showed no difference in symptoms or mortality when compared to a placebo in hospitalized patients(patients with severe symptoms).

Azithromycin is listed in the World Health Organization Model List of Medications for the newly released 2023 edition:

FIRST CHOICE (From WHO 2023 List)

  • Cholera
  • Enteric fever
  • Gonorrhea
  • Chlamydia trachomatis
  • Trachoma (a contagious bacterial infection of the eye in which there is inflamed granulation on the inner surface of the lids)
  • Yaws (a tropical infection of the skin, bones, and joints caused by the spirochete bacterium)

SECOND CHOICE

  • Acute invasive bacterial diarrhea
  • Dysentery
  • Gonorrhea

In addition, Azithromycin can be used to treat

  • Pneumonia and
  • Urinary tract infections

How long does Azithromycin remain potent?

The potency of antibiotics can be affected by factors such as temperature, light, moisture, and storage conditions. Inappropriate storage and transportation of antibiotics may lead to loss of potency earlier than the expiry date. Keep dry and at stable room temperature away from light.

Expiration dates reflect when the product is expected to remain stable or retain its identity, strength, quality, and purity when properly stored according to its labeled storage conditions.

According to the Shelf-Life Extension Program, a joint initiative of the FDA and Department of Defense that tested 122 drugs for potency after their expiration date revealed that erythromycin powder, a macrolide antibiotic in the same family as Azithromycin, retained its potency up to 83 months (over 7 years). Given that powder forms of antibiotics lose potency sooner than tablet form, this family of antibiotics may likely retain its potency past 7 years.

It is a general consensus that even though antibiotics are safe to take past their expiration date, they may lose potency.

How to take

Azithromycin is usually taken once a day.

Take capsules whole with a large glass of water and 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

Side effects

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and an upset stomach.

An allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis, QT prolongation, or a type of diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile is possible.

What to avoid

Do not take Azithromycin if you have hypersensitivity or allergy to erythromycin or other macrolide antibiotics.

Do not take antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium within 2 hours before or after you take Azithromycin, as these can make it less effective. This includes Gaviscon, Maalox, Milk of Magnesia, Mylanta, Pepcid Complete, Rolaids, and others. These antacids can make Azithromycin less effective when taken at the same time.

Consult with your care provider before taking if you have:

  • Liver disease.
  • Kidney disease.
  • Myasthenia gravis.
  • A heart rhythm disorder.
  • Low levels of potassium in your blood.
  • Long QT syndrome (in you or a family member).

Seek medical attention if you experience:

  • Allergic reaction to Azithromycin: (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat)
  • Severe skin reaction: (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling)

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

Recent Posts

Keeping you informed and safe.

How do Antibiotics Work? Part 4

The best way to take antibiotics is to never need them. But that isn’t always an option. However, there are some steps you can take to strengthen your immune system so that you and your loved ones can fight off illness. The recent outbreak of deaths from group A strep– which is usually treated with Amoxicillin, is currently in short supply. This highlights the fragility of our nations drug supply. Check this site for current drug shortages- if a medication you are taking is on the list contact your care provider to get your medications refilled, and if available ask for a years supply of your meds.

8 tips to strengthen your immune system

  1. Get good quality sleep

According to the Sleep foundation good quality sleep enhances both the innate and adaptive immune system responses. Non rapid eye movement, known as NREM is deep sleep slows the body’s processes allowing more energy to be directed at healing. Sleep is such an important topic that it really needs its own post.

  1. Cut back on sugar

Professor of immunobiology at Yale, Ruslan Medzhitov performed experiments on mice- after infecting the mice with the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes he fed one group fat and proteins. They lived. The group he fed simple carbohydrates died.  Conversely, when the mice were infected with an influenzas virus and fed fats and proteins, they were more likely to die compared to the mice fed simple carbohydrates. In other words, balance is the key. If unsure if you have a viral or bacterial infection it is best to just cut out excess sugar.

  1. Increase fresh fruits and vegetables

Up to 80% of our immune system is housed in lymphoid tissue in your intestines, It is called gut associated lymph tissue (GALT) By eating fiber rich foods the beneficial bacteria help the immune system do its job. In addition, a study found that eating a diverse diet high in fiber rich foods can help combat antibiotic resistance. There needs to be more research in this area of study, however initial results are promising.

In addition, several varieties of mushrooms are known to improve immune system function and are being studied for their cancer fighting properties.

  1. Drink plenty of water

Water helps flush toxins out of the body, both through elimination and mucus membranes.

The bloodstream is comprised mostly of water. To help the body fight infection keeping hydrated helps the white blood cells do their job- fight infections.

  1. Avoid alcohol and smoking

Both can decrease immunity

  1. Keep your vitamin D levels up

Vitamin D is well known to help fight infections. Be sure that when you take vitamin D (which is really not a vitamin, it is a steroid hormone) be sure to add vitamin K2, also known as MK 7, This is important, because this helps avoid calcium buildup in your arteries.

  1. Reduce and manage stress

Stress raises our cortisol levels which in turn suppresses the immune response to pathogenic invaders.

  1. Exercise to boost immunity

Research shows that 20–40 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per day is adequate to provide a positive boost to the immune system. Exercise helps circulate the infection fighting cells in the body.

If you still need an antibiotic Jase has you covered

The 5 antibiotics in the Jase case can cover a wide range of bacterial illnesses. If in doubt contact Jase provider for guidance, part of the outstanding service Jase offers is unlimited follow up for questions about antibiotic use.

 Let’s take a look at some of the infections Jase antibiotics cover:

  • Amoxicillin-clavulanate 875 mg tablets (28 tablets)

When amoxicillin is not available due to current shortages this antibiotic can be substituted. Other uses include group A strep, sinusitis, pneumonia, ear infections, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, and infections of the skin

  • Azithromycin 250 mg tablets (6 tablets)

Bacterial pneumonia, ear and sinus infections, skin infections, Travelers diarrhea, urinary tract infection

  • Ciprofloxacin 500 mg tablets (28 tablets)

Bioterrorism infections from anthrax, Tularemia or plague exposure

Travelers diarrhea

  • Doxycycline 100 mg capsules (120 capsules)

Bioterrorism infections from anthrax, Tularemia, or plague exposure

Skin infection, tetanus, bites (animal or human)

  • Metronidazole 500 mg tablets (30 tablets)

bacterial vaginosis, diarrhea (caused by giardia and clostridioides difficile), giardiasis, tetanus, and trichomoniasis

 

- Brooke Lounsbury

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

Recent Posts

Keeping you informed and safe.

Join Our Newsletter

Our mission is to help you be more medically prepared. Join our newsletter and follow us on social media for health and safety tips each week!