Azithromycin is one of the most prescribed antibiotics in Europeknown for its effectiveness against a wide range of bacterial infections. Often used to treat respiratory diseases, ear, skin and urinary tract infections, it has become a reference drug over many therapies over time. Its widespread use – and sometimes inappropriate – however contributed to the growing problem ofantibiotic-resistanceone of the main threats to public health worldwide.
For this theHema, The European Agency for Medicineshas conducted an in -depth revision of the therapeutic indications of this drug, deciding to narrow its use in some common pathologies. An intervention aimed at preserving its effectiveness and containing the spread of resistant bacteria, increasingly difficult to treat.
What is azithromycin and why it is under review
Azithromycin has been an antibiotic used for decades to treat numerous bacterial infections, both in children and adults. It is so relevant for public health that it has been included in the list of essential drugs of the World Health Organization (WHO). However, its diffusion and often excessive use have increased its risk of ineffectiveness: according to the WHO, it is an “high risk” antibiotic of developing resistance, so much so that it is included in the “Watch” category of the Aware classification.
In recent years, the data collected at European level have shown a worrying increase in antimicrobial resistance tozithromycin. For this, the Committee for medicines for human use (CHMP) of AMA He has started an in -depth review of his indications of use, in order to promote more targeted employment and minimize risks.
The goal? Use it less and better.
The revision of the AMA
The action of the AMA is part of a wider strategy against the phenomenon of “superbatteri”, that is, microorganisms resistant to antibiotic treatments, which represent a serious threat to our health.
In this context, the revision of the use ofzithromycin aims at two main objectives:
On the basis of the data collected – including clinical studies, analysis of bacterial resistance and therapeutic guidelines – the CHMP has recommended eliminate the indication for azithromycin in three specific cases:
According to the Committee, the benefits ofzithromycin in these three indications do not exceed potential risks, in particular the risk of contributing to the development of resistance.
Other uses have been updated to reflect the most recent clinical evidence, with harmonized dosages and greater clarifications on possible pharmacological interactions. The main situations in which azithromycin remains indicated include:
The complete list of updated uses and recommendations is available on the official AMA website.
A European study to monitor use
In support of the revision, Ema commissioned a specific study conducted by the Darwin Eu network, which confirmed a still very extensive use ofzithromycin throughout the European Union, both in the pediatric and adult fields. This confirms the urgency to intervene to ensure that the antibiotic is used only when strictly necessary.
CHMP recommendations will now be transmitted to European Commission, which will issue a legally binding final decision for all Member States. It should be noted that this revision concerns only azithromycin for systemic use (oral and infusion), while the formulations for local use, such as eye drops, are not involved in the procedure.
