Why do you take two tablets of Azithromycin on day one?
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
Why do you take two tablets of Azithromycin on day one?
It is important to take two tablets of Azithromycin on day one, 250 mg each, to reach the high drug concentration in your body on day 1 (500 mg) (1). This gives your body a headstart to fight against the infection-causing bacteria.
This dose is often known as the loading dose as you load the drug in your system. The following 4 doses, one tablet each day for 4 days, are known as maintenance doses, as they maintain the concentration of the drug in your body to eradicate the entire growth of bacteria (1).
Azithromycin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic and is active against many bacteria. However, you need to take your antibiotic on time to achieve the maximum therapeutic response.
How to ensure the safe and effective use of Azithromycin?
The following points are important to ensure the safe and effective use of Azithromycin (1,2):
- Take Azithromycin exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not take more or less than the recommended dose, and complete the full course of treatment even if you start feeling better.
- Azithromycin can be taken with or without food. If it causes stomach upset, you can take it with food to reduce discomfort.
- While on Azithromycin, it’s best to avoid consuming alcohol as it may interfere with the medication’s effectiveness and increase the risk of side effects.
- Inform your doctor about all the medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking to avoid potential drug interactions.
- To ensure the infection is completely treated, finish the full course of Azithromycin, even if you start feeling better before it’s over.
- If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction like rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.
- If your doctor has prescribed Azithromycin for multiple days, try to take it at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels of the medication in your body.
- Store Azithromycin at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep it out of reach of children.
- The antibiotic can be taken with OTC painkillers like Tylenol for relieving infection-induced pain and discomfort.
- Azithromycin is prescribed for specific infections and individuals. Never share your medication with others, even if they have similar symptoms.
Final words
To sum up, two tablets of Azithromycin are taken for an antibacterial headstart, followed by single once-daily maintenance doses for as long as your doctor has directed.
Remember, always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance regarding the safe and effective use of Azithromycin, and never hesitate to ask any questions or express any concerns you may have about the medication.
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References
1.-
LABEL: AZITHROMYCIN tablet, film coated and AZITHROMYCIN powder, for suspension. DailyMed [Internet]. Available from: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/getFile.cfm?setid=d470695c-c0d7-4361-8783-45f58a932ac4&type=pdf
2.-
Sandman Z, Iqbal OA. Azithromycin. 2023 Jan 15. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 32491698. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557766Sandman Z, Iqbal OA. Azithromycin. 2023 Jan 15. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 32491698. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557766
