Acne is a common skin disorder in adolescents, and also some adults, and there are several methods of acne treatment available to combat the condition. Acne can be very severe, with disfiguring and traumatic skin lesions that can leave a permanent scar. For mild cases of acne there are several over the counter medicines that can prove effective, but for severe cases of acne you will need to consult your doctor or a dermatological specialist.
Severe cases of acne respond well to treatments with antibiotics, which work to eradicate the bacteria that causes the inflammation and infection. Antibiotics prescribed include tetracyclines, which can have serious systemic side effects. More recently a new antibiotic treatment has been trialled in acne studies called azithromycin, which has shown to have effective anti-inflammatory and antibiotic effects against the acne bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes.
Azithromycin is the active ingredient in the drug Zithromax, and has many advantages compared to other antibiotics, namely that is presents no severe drug interactions. Zithromax has also been shown to have less gastrointestinal effects than other antibiotics used for acne treatment and can be prescribed in lower, less frequent doses making it more cost effective and less disruptive to the body.
Zithromax is available in capsule form, and can be used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections as well as acne, including infections of the upper or lower airways, skin or soft tissue, or ears. However as with all broad-spectrum antibiotics, Zithromax can sometimes cause inflammation of the bowel (colitis).
Other side effects from this drug are thought to be minimal, but include headaches, loss of appetite, dizziness, thrush infections, hyperactivity and abnormal heart beats (arrhythmias). Zithromax is not recommended for people who suffer with anaemia or thalassemia as it can cause the decrease of platelets or white blood cells in the blood. Antibiotics should never be taken if you suffer from liver disease and should always be taken at regular, spaced intervals.
Zithromax absorption can be affected by indigestion remedies and so should be taken at least one hour before, and two hours after taking any kinds of antacids. Zithromax can also affect your blood levels of digoxin, ciclosporin and warfarin, and so your doctor many need to perform additional blood monitoring if you are on these drugs and taking Zithromax.
If you are taking a combined oral contraceptive pill or are using contraceptive patches, there may be a very low risk that Zithromax will reduce its effectiveness at preventing pregnancy. Although the risk of this is very low, you may wish to use additional methods of contraception whilst taking this antibiotic.
News Information Courtesy of Best Syndication.
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