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How Effective Is Azithromycin for Strep?

By S. Berger
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 23,229
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Azithromycin is an antibiotic drug commonly used to treat bacterial infections. It works by attaching to a cellular structure in bacteria that assists in manufacturing proteins needed for normal operation, and inhibits this manufacturing process, killing the bacteria as a result. This potent method of interfering with microbes, along with the fact that it does not affect human cells, make it a very effective antibiotic. Doctors prescribe azithromycin for strep, along with many other common bacterial illnesses such as ear infections, pneumonia, and traveler's diarrhea.

Strep infections are caused by several different species of related bacteria in the same biological group, called a genus. This medication actually can target all of the bacteria in this genus, meaning azithromycin for strep infections of any type will be an effective option. Following several administrations of azithromycin, this medication may remain in the body for up to 68 hours, providing long-term protection from strep and other harmful bacteria.

This antibiotic can be given in both oral and intravenous (IV) forms. Single-dose packets of powder medication are sometimes given, which can be mixed in a drink. Using this form of azithromycin for strep infections in children is quite useful, because younger children often have trouble swallowing tablets. Alternately, a concentrated liquid form of the medication is available, which is given by the teaspoon (tsp).

For adults, oral tablets can be used to administer azithromycin. Nauseous patients or those with sore throats may have trouble swallowing tablets, and in these cases, the IV form of the antibiotic can be given. Medical professionals are usually the ones to administer this drug intravenously in a hospital or clinical setting, however, and patients are given oral prescriptions to take at home.

This drug does not interfere with human cells due to differences in the way that animals and bacteria create proteins. Consequently, side effects of azithromycin are relatively rare, and the drug is well-tolerated in most patients. For this reason, using azithromycin for strep treatments in infants and the elderly is a valid option, which further increases the utility of this drug.

Some drug interactions can occur with azithromycin, so doctors must know which medications a patient takes before prescribing this antibiotic. It can lower the effectiveness of birth control pills, and elevate levels of other medications in the body, such as the blood medication warfarin. Potential interactions may sometimes keep doctors from prescribing azithromycin, but a doctor will often be able to create a safe dosing schedule in the event of an infection.

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Discussion Comments
By Lostnfound — On Aug 12, 2014

The only time I haven't had much success with Azithromycin was when I had a bad case of bronchitis. The Z-pack probably kept it from getting any worse, but it wasn't making it much better.

I ended up having to go on a second round of antibiotics -- Levaquin. That stuff took care of the bronchitis and I felt better pretty soon after starting the medication. The doctor said I just had a really nasty case of bronchitis and one round of antibiotics wasn't going to knock it out. I could tell that much. I was still feeling like crap.

By Grivusangel — On Aug 11, 2014

Azithromycin --aka a Z-pack! Love me some Z-packs! I also like it that I only have to take it for five days, as opposed to the usual 10-day round, which can really mess with my intestinal tract.

I have always had good luck with Azithromycin for everything I've taken it for.

I was flying cross-country, coming down with a cold, and terrified it would turn into bronchitis. My doctor called in a Z-pack, I took the first two doses, and felt better the next day. Flying with a cold is awful, though. The pressure changes are terrible. Anyway, the Z-pack was very effective.

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