Effects of azithromycin: A Synthesis of Findings from 6 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Main Research Findings

Azithromycin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic for respiratory infections and asthma-like episodes in children. 3 One study investigated the short- and long-term impacts of azithromycin on the gut microbiota of young children. 2 Another study examined the clinical and microbiological effects of azithromycin as an adjunct to non-surgical treatment of periodontitis in adults. 4 A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to clarify the efficacy and safety of azithromycin in the treatment of asthma. 5 A randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of azithromycin in children with poorly controlled asthma. 1 Another study analyzed safety data from clinical trials of azithromycin use in children. 6 A systematic review and meta-analysis explored the secondary effects of mass azithromycin administration.

Benefits and Risks

Benefits Summary

Studies suggest that azithromycin may improve asthma control and reduce exacerbations in children. 5 It may also decrease child mortality and lower the risk of respiratory tract infections and diarrhea. 6 Azithromycin has been shown to have fewer side effects compared to other antibiotics in children. 1

Risks Summary

Azithromycin may affect the gut microbiota. 3 Further research is needed to investigate the long-term impact of its use. 4 Mass azithromycin administration had a weak effect on malaria and no association with nutritional improvement in children. 6

Comparison of Studies

Similarities

All of these studies evaluated the clinical effectiveness and safety of azithromycin. Furthermore, all studies suggested that azithromycin may have some beneficial effects. However, the need for further research on the long-term impact on the gut microbiota was highlighted.

Differences

These studies differed in several aspects, including the study population, design, and administration method of azithromycin. For example, 3 focused on the impact of azithromycin on the gut microbiota of children, while 2 examined the effects of azithromycin on periodontitis in adults. 4 systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed the long-term effects of azithromycin in asthma, whereas 5 investigated the effects of azithromycin in children with poorly controlled asthma. 1 evaluated safety and tolerance in children, and 6 systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed the secondary effects of mass azithromycin administration. These differences among the studies may complicate a complete understanding of azithromycin's effects.

Consistency and Contradictions in Results

These studies suggest that azithromycin may improve asthma control and reduce exacerbations in children. 5 On the other hand, azithromycin can affect the gut microbiota, and further research is needed on its long-term effects. 3 Mass azithromycin administration had a weak effect on malaria and no association with nutritional improvement in children. 6

Implications for Everyday Life

While azithromycin may improve asthma control and reduce exacerbations in children, further research is needed on the long-term impact on the gut microbiota. 5 Azithromycin has been shown to have fewer side effects compared to other antibiotics in children. 1 However, when deciding whether to use azithromycin, it is essential to consider these potential risks and benefits.

Limitations of Current Research

These studies have limitations because of differences in study populations, designs, and administration methods of azithromycin. Therefore, these results may not necessarily be generalized. Additionally, these studies were all conducted over limited periods, which may not fully assess the long-term effects of azithromycin.

Future Directions for Research

Further research is needed to investigate the long-term impact of azithromycin on the gut microbiota. Additional research is also needed to identify children for whom azithromycin use would be appropriate.

Conclusion

Azithromycin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic for respiratory infections and asthma-like episodes in children. 3 Studies suggest that azithromycin may improve asthma control and reduce exacerbations in children. 5 However, azithromycin may affect the gut microbiota, and further research is needed on its long-term effects. 3 When deciding whether to use azithromycin, it is essential to consider these potential risks and benefits.

Literature analysis of 6 papers
Positive Content
4
Neutral Content
1
Negative Content
1
Article Type
4
2
2
1
6
1.

Clinical safety and tolerance of azithromycin in children.

Author: HopkinsS

Effective for otitis media
Effective for pharyngitis
Effective for skin infections
Well tolerated
Dermatological reactions
Gastrointestinal side effects

This study reviewed safety data from several clinical trials comparing azithromycin to other antibiotics in children. The review found that azithromycin was associated with significantly fewer side effects than other antibiotics, particularly gastrointestinal side effects. This suggests that azithromycin is a safe and well-tolerated antibiotic option for treating infections in children.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

2.

A double-blind placebo-controlled trial of azithromycin as an adjunct to non-surgical treatment of periodontitis in adults: clinical results.

Author: SmithS R, FoyleD M, DanielsJ, Joyston-BechalS, SmalesF C, SeftonA, WilliamsJ

Periodontitis treatment

The study was designed to investigate the clinical and microbiological effects of azithromycin as an adjunct to the non-surgical treatment of periodontitis in adults.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

3.

Short- and long-term impacts of azithromycin treatment on the gut microbiota in children: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Author: WeiShaodong, MortensenMartin Steen, StokholmJakob, BrejnrodAsker Daniel, ThorsenJonathan, RasmussenMorten Arendt, TrivediUrvish, BisgaardHans, SørensenSøren Johannes

Gut microbiota impacts

Azithromycin, a commonly prescribed macrolide antibiotic, was found to have both short- and long-term impacts on the gut microbiota of young children.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

4.

The efficacy and safety of long-term add-on treatment of azithromycin in asthma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Author: WangXiaohu, LuoJian, WangDan, LiuBicui, LiuChuntao

Improved FEV1
No significant effect on ACQ
No significant effect on AQLQ
No significant effect on FeNO
No significant effect on PEF
No significant effect on exacerbation frequency

Azithromycin treatment in asthma patients resulted in a small but statistically significant improvement in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). However, it did not significantly improve asthma exacerbations, peak expiratory flow, fractional exhaled nitric oxide, asthma quality of life, or asthma control. Azithromycin was found to improve fractional exhaled nitric oxide in Asian asthmatics.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

5.

Azithromycin for Poorly Controlled Asthma in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Author: GhimireJagat Jeevan, JatKana Ram, SankarJhuma, LodhaRakesh, IyerVenkat K, GautamHitender, SoodSeema, KabraS K

Improved asthma control
Reduced exacerbations

This open-label randomized controlled trial investigated the effect of adding azithromycin to standard therapy in children with poorly controlled asthma. Azithromycin significantly improved asthma control and reduced exacerbations.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

6.

Secondary Effects from Mass Azithromycin Administration: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Author: LiJinhui, XiongTao, YueYan, ChoonaraImti, QaziShamim, TangJun, ShiJing, WangHua, QuYi, MuDezhi

Lower risk of diarrhea
Lower risk of fever
Lower risk of headache
Lower risk of infection
Lower risk of vomiting
Reduced carriage of pathogens
Reduced child mortality

This study reviewed the secondary effects of azithromycin mass drug administration (MDA) on child mortality, malaria, and general morbidity. The findings suggest that azithromycin MDA reduces child mortality, with quarterly MDA being most beneficial. The effect on malaria was weaker, but azithromycin MDA was associated with a lower risk of respiratory tract infections, diarrhea, and other common illnesses.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

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