Treating Cat Scratch Disease with Azithromycin

Cat scratch disease also known as the scratch fever is an infection that occurs in humans due to cat scratches and is caused by the Bartonella bacterium. Kittens transmit this disease more often than adult cats. The infection is not severe and can be easily treated with antibiotics such as Azithromycin.

Cat Scratch Disease

The cat scratch disease is caused by the Bartonella bacterium and can be transmitted from cats, fleas or ticks.

The scratch disease in humans will be manifested through inflamed lymph nodes and these will also be tender to the touch. In addition, the patient may display fatigue, headaches, chills, back aches and abdominal tenderness. The bite or scratch mark will also be very tender.

Some atypical symptoms of cat scratch disease include conjunctivitis, neuropathy or skin lesions.

The symptoms of the scratch disease may take 7 to 30 days to occur.

The disease is not severe and may resolve itself without treatment, but in some cases treatment may be required. Immunocompromised patients may require special attention to prevent the occurrence of complications.

Azithromycin Treatment for Cat Scratch Disease

Azithromycin is an antibiotic medication that is most often prescribed to patients with scratch disease. Azithromycin is marketed as Zithromax or Zmax and is an erythromycin derivate. The most common use of Azithromycin is to treat bacterial infections but may also be employed in urinary tract disease or venereal diseases. Antibiotics such as Azithromycin are more recommended in children and patients with weaker immune systems.

Azithromycin will hinder the bacteria from spreading and developing.

Azithromycin is an acid stable medication and can be administered orally without being destroyed by the gastric acids; the medication is easily absorbed. Azithromycin is can also be administered as intravenous fluids.

The dosage of Azithromycin will depend on the stage of the disease and the weight and age of the patient.

Azithromycin is an effective antibiotic medication and is preferred as it may require a single dose only, which can prevent the development of bacteria for several days. The Azithromycin formula known as Zmax is a liquid suspension that will release 2 g of drug at a time and will reduce the side effects such as colitis.

The unused amounts of Azithromycin will be eliminated through urine.

Azithromycin Side Effects

Azithromycin can cause side effects such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain or increased irritability. Some patients may develop allergic reactions to the ingredients in Azithromycin.

Colitis and gastrointestinal problems may also occur if the Azithromycin is administered in larger doses. The administration of Azithromycin may also interfere with the effect of birth control pills, so other birth control methods should be used.

However, these side effects may not occur in all cases and the benefits of the medication are more important even if side effects occur.

Alternative antibiotics to Azithromycin include ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin or doxycyline. However, these antibiotics will also have side effects.

 

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