The European drug agency (Ema) has announced that it has recommended to review the methods of use ofzithromycin, antibiotic of the Macrolidi family, well known and used, suitable for both children and adults. Ema essentially asks to limit the use of this medicine at least in some cases where it was indicated so far. Such as the care of acne. The reason is “to minimize the development of antimicrobial resistance” for this weapon of common use. The measure must therefore be framed in the context of the wider battle against the so -called “super bacteria” which keeps science apprehensive. The goal is not to compromise the effectiveness of the drug.
“High risk antibiotic”
The Committee for medicines for human use (CHMP) of the EU regulatory body has recommended for this purpose “different changes to the methods of use” ofzithromycin in the EU, “including the elimination of some indications”. This antibiotic, explains Ema, “has been used for decades for the treatment of a wide range of infectious diseases, both in children and adults. It is included in the list of essential medicines of the World Health Organization (WHO), which underlines its importance for public health”. However, the molecule in question “is also classified by WHO as an antibiotic with a higher risk of antimicrobial resistance and is included in the ‘Watch’ category of the UN Agency”. And the data show that “the antimicrobial resistance to this antibiotic has increased in recent years”.
Medicines in the Watch category should be considered “priority as objectives to guarantee prudent use and monitoring. And instead the consumption data indicate an increase for azithromycin -based medicines” in recent years. The new recommendations aim to “promote a more rational use on the basis of current evidence and preserve their effectiveness”.
When azithromycin can be used
On the basis of this review, the Committee recommended to interrupt the use of azithromycin orally for moderate acne vulgaris, a condition in which the skin pores obstruct themselves due to an excess of sebum and skin cells; For the eradication of the Pylori Helicobacter, bacterium that causes gastric infections that can lead to chronic inflammation and ulcer; And for the prevention of re -entry (attacks) of eosinophilic and non -eosinophilic asthma. Ema considered that the available tests are not sufficient to support the effectiveness ofzithromycin in these indications and therefore concluded that the benefits do not exceed the risks.
The recommendations on dosage and contraindications were then harmonized. The revisions of use mainly concern: infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract (nose, throat, airways and lungs), such as acute bacterial sinusitis, tonsillitis and acute streptococcal pharyngitis, acute re -seal of chronic bronchitis and pulmonitis acquired in community; Sexually transmitted diseases, such as urethritis and cervicitis caused by Chlamydia Trachomatis or Neisseria Gonorrhoeae; infections of the female reproductive system, such as pelvic inflammatory disease; dental infections, such as abscesses and periodontitis; Treatment and prevention of different types of Mycobacterium Avium Complex infections in people with HIV-1 infection.