Azithron
Generic Name
Azithromycin
Manufacturer
Leading Pharmaceutical Company
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| azithron 200 mg suspension | ৳ 180.00 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Azithron 200 mg Suspension contains azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic, used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections in children and adults, particularly those of the respiratory tract, skin, and ear.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Elderly
No specific dose adjustment required unless severe renal or hepatic impairment.
Adults_general
500 mg once daily for 3 days, or 500 mg on day 1 followed by 250 mg on days 2-5 for respiratory tract/skin infections. For Chlamydia: 1g single dose.
Children_general
10 mg/kg once daily for 3 days, or 10 mg/kg on day 1 followed by 5 mg/kg on days 2-5. Max dose 500 mg/day.
Renal_impairment
No dose adjustment for mild to moderate renal impairment. Use with caution in severe renal impairment (CrCl < 10 mL/min).
Hepatic_impairment
Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment, as azithromycin is primarily eliminated via the liver.
How to Take
Azithron suspension should be reconstituted with water as per instructions. It can be taken with or without food. To minimize gastrointestinal upset, it may be taken with food. Ensure the full prescribed course is completed, even if symptoms improve.
Mechanism of Action
Azithromycin binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria, thereby inhibiting protein synthesis and consequently preventing bacterial growth and reproduction. It is generally considered bacteriostatic but can be bactericidal at high concentrations.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Clinical effects typically observed within 2-3 days of initiation.
Excretion
Mainly excreted unchanged in the bile; a small percentage is excreted renally.
Half life
Approximately 68 hours (prolonged, allowing for once-daily dosing).
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, though bioavailability can be reduced by food. Peak plasma concentrations are reached in 2-3 hours.
Metabolism
Limited hepatic metabolism, primarily through N-demethylation.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to azithromycin, erythromycin, any macrolide or ketolide antibiotic, or any component of the formulation.
- History of cholestatic jaundice/hepatic dysfunction associated with prior azithromycin use.
Drug Interactions
Digoxin
Increased serum digoxin levels; monitor digoxin levels.
Warfarin
Potentiation of anticoagulant effects; monitor prothrombin time (INR) closely.
Nelfinavir
Significant increase in azithromycin serum concentrations; dose adjustment may be necessary.
QT-prolonging drugs
Increased risk of QT prolongation and Torsades de Pointes; use with caution.
Ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine)
Potential for ergotism due to interaction with macrolides; avoid co-administration.
Antacids (aluminum and magnesium containing)
May reduce peak plasma levels of azithromycin; administer azithromycin at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after antacids.
Storage
Store the dry powder below 30°C in a cool, dry place, protected from light and moisture. Store the reconstituted suspension in a refrigerator (2-8°C) and do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and reversible hearing loss. Management involves symptomatic and supportive measures, including gastric lavage if appropriate.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: Category B. Studies in animals have shown no evidence of harm to the fetus. However, use in pregnancy only if clearly needed and the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. Lactation: Azithromycin is excreted in breast milk. Caution should be exercised when azithromycin is administered to a nursing woman.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to azithromycin, erythromycin, any macrolide or ketolide antibiotic, or any component of the formulation.
- History of cholestatic jaundice/hepatic dysfunction associated with prior azithromycin use.
Drug Interactions
Digoxin
Increased serum digoxin levels; monitor digoxin levels.
Warfarin
Potentiation of anticoagulant effects; monitor prothrombin time (INR) closely.
Nelfinavir
Significant increase in azithromycin serum concentrations; dose adjustment may be necessary.
QT-prolonging drugs
Increased risk of QT prolongation and Torsades de Pointes; use with caution.
Ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine)
Potential for ergotism due to interaction with macrolides; avoid co-administration.
Antacids (aluminum and magnesium containing)
May reduce peak plasma levels of azithromycin; administer azithromycin at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after antacids.
Storage
Store the dry powder below 30°C in a cool, dry place, protected from light and moisture. Store the reconstituted suspension in a refrigerator (2-8°C) and do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and reversible hearing loss. Management involves symptomatic and supportive measures, including gastric lavage if appropriate.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: Category B. Studies in animals have shown no evidence of harm to the fetus. However, use in pregnancy only if clearly needed and the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. Lactation: Azithromycin is excreted in breast milk. Caution should be exercised when azithromycin is administered to a nursing woman.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Dry powder: 24-36 months. Reconstituted suspension: 5-10 days when stored under refrigeration.
Availability
Pharmacies, Hospitals
Approval Status
Approved
Patent Status
Generic available
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials have established the efficacy and safety of azithromycin in treating a variety of bacterial infections across different age groups. Ongoing research explores its potential in other therapeutic areas.
Lab Monitoring
- Liver function tests (LFTs) should be monitored in patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment or during prolonged treatment.
- Renal function monitoring in patients with severe renal impairment.
- Electrolyte monitoring (potassium, magnesium) in patients at risk for QT prolongation.
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize the importance of completing the full antibiotic course to prevent therapeutic failure and the emergence of resistance.
- Counsel patients regarding potential gastrointestinal side effects and advise taking with food if necessary.
- Be aware of potential QT prolongation, especially in patients with pre-existing cardiac conditions or those on concomitant QT-prolonging medications.
- Inquire about a history of macrolide allergy or prior hepatic dysfunction with azithromycin use.
Patient Guidelines
- Always complete the full course of treatment as prescribed, even if you feel better, to prevent recurrence and development of antibiotic resistance.
- Do not share this medicine with others, even if they have similar symptoms.
- Report any severe or persistent side effects to your doctor immediately.
- Store the reconstituted suspension as directed, typically refrigerated, and discard any unused portion after the specified period.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
Azithromycin may cause dizziness or visual disturbances in some patients. If these effects occur, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain good hydration and consume a balanced diet.
- Avoid alcohol consumption during the treatment period as it may exacerbate gastrointestinal side effects.
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