EMA’s human medicines committee (CHMP) has recommended several changes to the way the antibiotic azithromycin is used in the EU, including the removal of certain indications. These recommendations aim to optimise the use of this common antibiotic and minimise the development of antimicrobial resistance – the ability of microorganisms to become resistant to antimicrobials.
Azithromycin has been used for decades to treat a wide range of infectious diseases, both in children and adults. It is included in the World Health Organization (WHO) list of essential medicines, which highlights its importance for public health.
However, azithromycin is also classified by WHO as an antibiotic that carries a higher risk of antimicrobial resistance and is included in WHO’s Watch category (AWaRe classification). Data show that antimicrobial resistance against this antibiotic has increased in recent years…
