Risk-benefit associated with azithromycin: A brief review

Abstract

Introductions: Azithromycin is the most popular prescribed antimicrobial agent around the world. It comes under the class of macrolide antibiotics. Because of its higher efficacy, tolerance, and broad-spectrum activity, it is primarily used in upper and lower respiratory tract infections, some sexually transmitted infections, and major bacterial infections. Methods: Pieces of literature were reviewed to access the risk and benefits associated with azithromycin. Results: Generally, this is commercially available in solids, liquids, and ophthalmic formulations due to its minimal adverse events. It is also used in the case of COVID-19 drug therapy due to its pharmacological and therapeutic properties. Conclusions: The review of literature presented that it may increase the risk of cardiac death, hepatic injury, ototoxicity, hypersensitivity reactions.