Question
Can azithromycin and cephalosporin antibiotics be used together?
Answer
Experts believe that macrolides like azithromycin, in addition to inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, also have strong intracellular penetration. They can accumulate at concentrations 20 to 30 times lower than those in the extracellular environment within macrophages. When macrophages migrate to the site of inflammation, they release the drug, which is highly beneficial for the treatment of infectious diseases. At the same time, azithromycin disrupts the integrity of the cell wall and cell membrane of sensitive microorganisms, interfering with the bacteria’s active efflux system. This maintains a high concentration of the drug within the cell, facilitating ceftriaxone’s destruction of the cell wall, thereby completely eliminating bacteria.