Overview
What is it?
Oral azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic derived from erythromycin. It is not naturally occurring but is synthesized for medical use. It is commonly prescribed to treat bacterial infections, including acne vulgaris, by targeting the bacteria that contribute to acne formation.
How does it work?
Azithromycin works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, which stops the growth of bacteria. It also has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, helping to reduce inflammation and bacterial load in acne-prone skin. This dual action makes it effective in treating inflammatory acne lesions.
What are the benefits?
Oral azithromycin offers several benefits for acne treatment, including: - Safe for use during pregnancy and lactation . - Requires less frequent dosing, which improves patient adherence . - Effective in reducing inflammatory acne lesions, with studies showing significant improvement over time .
Effectiveness
What does the research say?
Research shows that oral azithromycin is effective in treating acne vulgaris. For example, a study with 64 patients demonstrated a 30%–33% reduction in acne lesions after the first month, 46%–50% after the second month, and 70%–76% after the third month of treatment . Another study involving 110 patients found that azithromycin significantly reduced inflammatory markers and improved acne severity scores .
Side Effects
Gastrointestinal disturbances
Gastrointestinal disturbances, such as diarrhea and abdominal pain, are common and usually mild .
Nausea
Nausea may occur, especially when taken on an empty stomach .
Allergic reactions
Allergic reactions, though rare, can include rashes or itching .
Vaginal yeast infections
Vaginal yeast infections may develop due to the antibiotic's effect on normal bacterial flora .
Elevated blood urea nitrogen levels
Elevated blood urea nitrogen levels have been reported in some cases, though this is uncommon .
Evidence
Clinical Studies & Trials
[1] Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris.
This guideline addresses the management of acne vulgaris, a common condition affecting adolescents and adults. It reviews grading, topical, and systemic treatments, including antibiotics like azithromycin.
View study[2] Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris.
This evidence-based guideline provides recommendations for managing acne vulgaris, including the use of systemic treatments like azithromycin.
View study[3] Management of Acne in Pregnancy.
This review discusses safe acne treatments during pregnancy, including systemic options like azithromycin, which is considered safe for use.
View study[4] [Chancroid].
This study discusses azithromycin's mechanism of action, including its ability to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis.
View study[5] [Lentigines].
This study highlights azithromycin's role in treating bacterial infections and its mechanism of action.
View study[6] Oral Antibiotic Treatment Options for Acne Vulgaris.
This review discusses azithromycin's efficacy, benefits, and side effects in treating acne vulgaris, including its safety during pregnancy.
View study[7] Efficacy of Azithromycin in Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: A Mini Review.
This review highlights azithromycin's pharmacokinetic properties, efficacy in treating acne, and its suitability for pregnant and lactating patients.
View study[8] Effect of oral doxycycline, azithromycin and isotretinoin on haematological inflammatory markers and interleukin-17A levels in acne vulgaris: a single blinded randomised interventional study.
This study compares the effects of azithromycin, doxycycline, and isotretinoin on inflammatory markers in acne patients, showing azithromycin's effectiveness in reducing acne severity.
View study[9] Comparative Effects of Azithromycin and Probiotics for Treatment of Acne Vulgaris.
This study evaluates the efficacy of azithromycin and probiotics in treating acne vulgaris, highlighting azithromycin's role as a systemic treatment.
View study