Differences Between Azithromycin and Clarithromycin

Azithromycin vs Clarithromycin

Definitely, antibiotics are one of the most essential medicines. Antibiotics are used to fight infections. The common signs and symptoms of infection are: fever, redness around the affected area, and even pain. To eliminate all these troublesome signs and symptoms of infection, taking antibiotics is a necessity. Among the most commonly prescribed antibiotics are Azithromycin and Clarithromycin. What are the similarities and differences between Azithromycin and Clarithromycin? Let’s find out.

Both Azithromycin and Clarithromycin are antibiotics that belong to the family of macrolides. Erythromycin was the first macrolide produced in 1952. Macrolides are available in the United States and in other parts of the world. Azithromycin and Clarithromycin are considered as the newer agents of macrolides. They are newer agents since they are modified which allows a better tissue penetration and gastrointestinal tolerability.

Azithromycin and Clarithromycin are both used in the treatment of mild to moderate infections. Here are some conditions in which Azithromycin and Clarithromycin are best used according to emedexpert.com. Azithromycin is best used in the following conditions: community acquired pneumonia of mild severity due to Streptococcus pneumonia or Haemophilus influenza, streptococcal pharyngitis/tonsillitis due to Streptococcus pyogenes, acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to Haemophilus influenza, Moraxella catarrhalis, or Streptococcus pneumonia, non-gonococcal urethritis and cervicitis due to Chlamydia trachomatis, uncomplicated skin-to-skin structure infections due to Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, or Streptococcus agalactiae and disseminated mycobacterium avium complex diseases.

On the other hand, Clarithromycin is best used under the following conditions: acute maxillary sinusitis due to Haemophilus influenza, Moraxella catarrhalis, or Streptococcus pneumonia, pharyngitis/tonsilitis due to Streptococcus pyogenes, acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis due to Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, or Streptococcus pneumonia, uncomplicated skin-to-skin structure infections due to Staphylococcus aureus, or Streptococcus pyogenes, disseminated mycobacterial infections due to Mycobacterium avium, or Mycobacterium intracellulare, acute otitis media due to Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, or Streptococcus pneumonia, and Community-Acquired Pneumonia due to Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Chlamydia pneumonia.

Though Azithromycin and Clarithromycin have several advantages in fighting infection, like any other medications, they have side effects. The most common side effects of Azithromycin include the following: nausea, diarrhea, and other forms of abdominal discomfort. On the other hand, the most common side effects of Clarithromycin include the following: headache, abnormal taste, nausea, diarrhea, dyspepsia, and other forms of abdominal discomfort.

Even so, both azithromycin and clarithromycin are better to use than the first-ever-produced macrolide which is Erythromycin. Let us cite why Azithromycin and Clarithromycin are better to use. Since they are newer agents of macrolides, they have improved tissue penetration, fewer gastrointestinal side effects, and improved pharmacokinetic properties. In terms of drug-to-drug interaction, Azithromycin has a lower potential, and it offers increased gram-negative coverage than Erythromycin and even Clarithromycin. But in terms of gram positive activity, Clarithromycin is much better than Erythromycin and Azithromycin.

Since Azithromycin and Clarithromycin are newer agents, they are more often prescribed than any other type of antibiotic. They have fewer side effects, and if side effects occur, they are often mild .The side effects of these drugs can be handled by your doctor.

Summary:

1. Both Azithromycin and Clarithromycin are antibiotics that belong to the family of macrolides.
2. Azimothrycin and Clarithromycin are both used in the treatment of mild to moderate infections.
3. Azithromycin and Clarithromycin are prescribed under the following conditions. Please refer to the above article.
4. Azithromycin and Clarithromycin are better to use than the first-ever-produced macrolide which is Erythromycin. Since they are newer agents of macrolides, they have improved tissue penetration, fewer gastrointestinal side effects, and improved pharmacokinetic properties.

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