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Do you know? Why is azithromycin listed as an essential drug by the World Health Organization?
Azithromycin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that has attracted widespread attention since its discovery in 1980 in the former Yugoslavia (now Croatia). As a member of the World Health Organization (WHO) list of essential drugs, it is considered to be an effective drug against various bacterial infections, ranging from otitis media to pneumonia to some intestinal infections.
According to the definition of WHO, essential drugs refer to drugs needed by the health system and these drugs should be sustainably available within reasonable limits of the health care system.
Azithromycin's wide range of uses makes it an indispensable option for many basic medical care. It can be administered orally, intravenously, or as an eye liquid and is effective in treating acute bacterial sinusitis, tonsillitis, and certain skin infections.
The action and mechanism of azithromycin
The antibacterial properties of azithromycin are mainly achieved by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. It selectively binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit of bacteria, thereby preventing their growth. This allows it to exhibit a relatively broad range of antimicrobial activity against many different types of bacteria, including certain Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Studies have shown that azithromycin can reduce inflammation in the airways, which has shown important efficacy in the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Clinical applications and research
In addition to being used to treat various bacterial infections, azithromycin has gradually attracted the attention of scientists for its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. In people with asthma, azithromycin may help reduce the frequency of attacks because it inhibits the chronic inflammatory process caused by neutrophils.
Although azithromycin has a good safety record, like all medicines, it has the potential to cause side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cases, more serious side effects may occur, such as prolongation of the QT interval on the EKG, which can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.
The FDA has warned that azithromycin can cause abnormal changes in the electrical activity of the heart, and caution should be exercised, especially in patients with existing heart problems.
Social and cultural influences
Azithromycin is not just a drug, the story behind it also reflects the development of the medical industry. Since it was first introduced to Western markets in 1991, azithromycin has become the second most prescribed antibiotic in the United States, providing much-needed medical treatment to millions of patients.
Interestingly, azithromycin accessibility varies significantly between countries. In some countries, especially Scandinavia, antibiotic use is relatively low and therefore reliance on azithromycin is low.
Future research directions
As more studies reveal the potential of azithromycin in anti-inflammatory and immune modulation, future research may focus on how to further exploit these properties to develop new treatments. While there have been numerous studies on the effectiveness of azithromycin in the treatment of COVID-19, the current conclusion is that it is not as effective as expected against the virus.
In addition, the potential application of azithromycin in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome, cystic fibrosis and other inflammatory diseases still requires further scientific verification and exploration.
When so many medical, social and scientific factors are intertwined, we can't help but think: How will future medical care find a balance between technological progress and ethical choices?
