Medicine Information

Asizime

Name: Asizime
Brand: Asizime
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Injection500 mgMacrolide AntibioticsATC: J01FA10

Generic Name

Azithromycin

Manufacturer

Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

Loading images...

Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
asizime 500 mg injection	৳ 130.00	N/A

Description

Overview of the medicine

Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections. This injection form is typically used for more severe infections or when oral therapy is not feasible.

Uses & Indications

Community-acquired pneumonia

Pelvic inflammatory disease

Acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis

Skin and soft tissue infections

Chlamydia trachomatis infections

Sinusitis

Dosage

Adults

500 mg IV as a single daily dose for 1-2 days, followed by oral azithromycin therapy. Duration of IV therapy depends on clinical response. For Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, 500 mg IV once daily for 1-2 days, followed by oral therapy.

Elderly

No specific dose adjustment is necessary unless severe renal or hepatic impairment is present.

Renal_impairment

No dose adjustment is required for mild to moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance >10 mL/min). Caution is advised in severe renal impairment as data are limited.

How to Take

For intravenous infusion only. Reconstitute the lyophilized powder with sterile water for injection and then dilute it further. Administer as an intravenous infusion over 60 minutes. Do NOT administer as a bolus injection or intramuscularly.

Mechanism of Action

Azithromycin inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit, thereby blocking the translocation of peptides. This leads to a bacteriostatic effect, preventing bacterial growth.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Peak plasma concentrations are typically achieved within 2-3 hours after oral administration. For IV, therapeutic levels are reached quickly.

Excretion

The primary route of elimination is biliary excretion of unchanged drug and metabolites. A small percentage is excreted renally.

Half life

Plasma elimination half-life is prolonged, approximately 68 hours, due to extensive tissue uptake and slow release.

Absorption

Rapidly absorbed into tissues, leading to high tissue concentrations and relatively low plasma concentrations. Bioavailability is approximately 37% for oral forms, but for IV, it's 100%.

Metabolism

Primarily metabolized in the liver via N-demethylation, but a significant portion is excreted unchanged.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to azithromycin, erythromycin, any macrolide or ketolide antibiotic, or to any component of the formulation.
History of cholestatic jaundice/hepatic dysfunction associated with prior azithromycin use.

Drug Interactions

Warfarin

Increased anticoagulant effect, monitor INR.

Nelfinavir

Increased azithromycin serum concentrations; close monitoring for known azithromycin side effects is warranted.

Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium

Reduce peak serum concentrations of oral azithromycin (less relevant for IV but still a consideration for combination therapy).

QT-prolonging drugs (e.g., quinidine, amiodarone, cisapride, terfenadine)

Increased risk of QT interval prolongation and torsades de pointes.

Storage

Store intact vials below 30°C (86°F), protected from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Reconstituted solution should be used immediately or stored at room temperature (20-25°C) for up to 24 hours.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose typically include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and reversible hearing loss. Management involves symptomatic and supportive care. Gastric lavage and general supportive measures may be necessary. Hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis is not effective in removing azithromycin.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category B. Studies in animals have not shown harm to the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use in pregnancy only if clearly needed. Azithromycin is excreted in human breast milk; caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing woman.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

1 vial of 500 mg + 1 vial of diluent

Shelf Life

Typically 24 to 36 months from the date of manufacture when stored under recommended conditions. The reconstituted solution has a limited shelf life (e.g., 24 hours at room temperature).

Availability

Pharmacies, Hospitals

Approval Status

Approved by major regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA, DGDA)

Patent Status

Off-patent (generic available)

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Azithromycin has undergone extensive clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety in treating various bacterial infections. These trials have established its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles, guiding its use in different patient populations and infection types. Ongoing research explores its potential in new indications and resistance patterns.

Lab Monitoring

Liver function tests (baseline and periodically for prolonged therapy or in patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment).
ECG monitoring (for patients at risk of QT prolongation, e.g., with cardiac conditions or on other QT-prolonging medications).

Doctor Notes

Confirm bacterial infection before initiating therapy. Azithromycin is not effective against viral infections.
Be vigilant for signs of hepatotoxicity and QT prolongation, especially in high-risk patients.
Ensure proper reconstitution and intravenous infusion rate (over 60 minutes) to minimize local site reactions and maximize efficacy.
Consider culture and susceptibility testing, especially in non-responding cases.

Patient Guidelines

It is crucial to complete the entire course of azithromycin as prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms improve sooner, to prevent recurrence and development of antibiotic resistance.
Report any signs of allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing) or severe side effects (severe diarrhea, jaundice) immediately to your healthcare provider.
Ensure proper hydration during treatment.

Missed Dose Advice

If a dose is missed, administer it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Driving Precautions

Azithromycin may cause dizziness or visual disturbances in some patients. If you experience these side effects, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medication affects you.

Lifestyle Advice

Maintain a balanced diet and ensure adequate rest to support your recovery.
Avoid alcohol consumption during antibiotic treatment, as it may worsen side effects or delay recovery.