The use of antibiotic therapy for various diseases has recently become an integral part of treatment - both children and adults. It is the drugs of this group that have become a panacea for various infections. And although the translation of the word “antibiotic” sounds like the phrase “against life” and is somewhat frightening, often treatment without it does not lead to the desired result, because it inhibits the growth of bacteria, viruses and microbes in the body. The market of pharmacology offers a huge number of drugs with a wide and narrow spectrum of effects, each of them can affect only a certain type of microorganism, therefore, in order for the treatment to be effective, a specialist should choose a drug for a particular disease. That is why manufacturers of antibacterial medicines emphasize that self-medication can be dangerous to health.
When is Azithromycin or Sumamed prescribed?
Indications for the appointment of these two drugs are various infections that have arisen due to the introduction of microbes and bacteria into the body that are sensitive to the main component of the drug - azithromycin. It:
- bacterial diseases of the ENT organs, such as sinusitis, otitis media, pharyngitis and tonsillitis;
- infectious respiratory infections, including pneumonia and bronchitis;
- skin and soft tissue diseases caused by infection;
- inflammatory lesions of the pelvic organs of infectious origin;
- sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, cervicitis and urethritis.
A bit of history
Many are interested in how "Sumamed" differs from "Azithromycin" if both the indications and the active component of the drug are identical? To get an answer, you need to first look at the history of the origin of these drugs. So, the drug “Sumamed”, the main component of which is the substance azithromycin, was developed by pharmacists of the well-known Croatian company “Pliva”. This event took place in 1980, the medicine was immediately patented and was called the drug “Sumamed”. While the name "Azithromycin" is unofficial, but used worldwide for many analogues of this antibiotic.
What is the difference?
The main difference between these medicines is that the patented drug passes all clinical trials and trials without fail, while the so-called generics are based on the studies of the original. This also implies the cost of the preparations: the original, as a rule, costs 3-4 times more. It follows that the cheaper analogue of Sumamed is Azithromycin. The fact is that the production of generics costs manufacturers much cheaper, because they are only a copy, and their development takes much less money.
What to choose: the drug "Azithromycin" or "Sumamed"
The reviews of doctors and patients come down to a consensus that both the original and analogues have the same effect and effectiveness. Both drugs have strong bactericidal activity and affect the causative agents of syphilis and gonorrhea, legionella, streptococcus, chlamydia. Reviews of patients who have experienced the effects of these drugs, note that due to the different forms of release it is very convenient to use it, both for children and adults. So, for example, the drug "Sumamed" has two forms: tablets and suspension, and its analogue "Azithromycin" is in capsules, tablets and syrup. This diversity makes it possible to choose the appropriate dosage and method of administration. Also, a huge number of people note that the medicines "Sumamed" and "Azithromycin", the difference of which is often only in cost, do their job equally well. And after the first day of application, you can feel the relief, expressed in lowering the temperature and suppressing the symptoms of the disease. Doctors, for the most part, prescribe the Sumamed medication, and the choice most likely depends on the clinical trials of the drug.
Rules of appointment
Regardless of which antibiotic was prescribed (the drug "Azithromycin" or "Sumamed"), the dosage regimen recommended by the doctor should be observed. In no case can you make an independent decision about taking the drug, this can only bring harm to the body. Each of the preparations and release forms has its own established dosages relative to the age and complexity of the disease. Without fail, before starting treatment, the patient must undergo laboratory tests to determine the sensitivity of bacteria to the active component. However, the disadvantage of such an analysis is that it takes several days to conduct it. Therefore, the doctor, in order not to miss the time and not delay the disease to serious complications, relying on his experience, can prescribe one or another antibiotic. Which drug to choose - "Azithromycin" or "Sumamed" - is a private matter. And many prefer a cheaper medicine.
Admission Rules
The analogue of “Sumamed” - “Azithromycin”, like the original itself, should be taken one hour before eating food or two hours after it. It is very important to observe this simple rule, because food reduces the effect of these medicines. The advantage of treatment with these antibiotics is that they need to be taken only once a day, in a dose prescribed by a doctor. Often, the dosage regimen is prescribed individually, but there are recommended doses: for adults, 500 mg, for children, the calculation is based on body weight - from 25 to 50 kg, 10 mg per 1 kg, if the weight exceeds 50 kg, then the recommended dose is for adults. For babies whose weight does not reach 25 kg, a suspension or syrup is prescribed, the calculation of milligrams is also based on the weight of the child.
A bit about side effects
Like many medications, antibiotics have their own side effects. And, as a rule, it is because of them that most people are so afraid of their application. And partly the fear is justified, because antibiotic therapy adversely affects the body, whether it is the drug "Azithromycin" or "Sumamed." Manufacturers of these drugs primarily note the effect on the intestinal microflora, disruptions of which are manifested in nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, disorders and flatulence. Sometimes side effects are also manifested in skin rashes, the so-called urticaria.
Which drug is better to choose?
It is impossible to answer this question unequivocally, since the active component of the drugs, action, rules of administration, doses and even side effects are identical. Reviews of patients and doctors also do not particularly help to solve this dilemma, the main criterion for selection can only be that these drugs have different costs and the Azithromycin agent is cheaper. Sumamed, the price of which is much higher, has only one advantage - the clinical trials that were mentioned earlier. However, the quality and result of using one and the other means are confirmed in practice, and there are practically no examples when the drugs did not cope with the task. And the possible side effects that are described in the instructions for these antibiotics are an integral part of treatment. That is why choice and preference is a personal matter for every patient, because it is his health and his finances.