Efrad
Generic Name
Azithromycin
Manufacturer
Hypothetical Pharma Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| efrad 250 mg capsule | ৳ 6.50 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Efrad 250 mg Capsule contains Azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Community-acquired pneumonia, Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis: 500 mg once daily for 3 days or 500 mg on day 1, then 250 mg once daily for 4 days. Acute otitis media: 500 mg once daily for 3 days or 10 mg/kg once daily for 3 days.
Elderly
No dosage adjustment needed unless severe renal/hepatic impairment.
Renal_impairment
No dosage adjustment for mild to moderate impairment. Use with caution in severe impairment.
How to Take
Take orally with or without food. For better absorption and to minimize gastrointestinal upset, it can be taken with food. Do not chew or crush the capsule.
Mechanism of Action
Azithromycin binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible microorganisms, thereby inhibiting protein synthesis.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Plasma concentrations peak within 2-3 hours.
Excretion
Primarily excreted unchanged in bile; a small amount in urine.
Half life
Terminal elimination half-life is 2-4 days.
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, bioavailability is approximately 37%. Food decreases absorption.
Metabolism
Primarily hepatic, but only a small portion is metabolized. Excreted largely unchanged.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to azithromycin, erythromycin, any macrolide or ketolide antibiotic, or any excipients.
- History of cholestatic jaundice/hepatic dysfunction associated with prior azithromycin use.
Drug Interactions
Antacids
May decrease peak plasma concentrations of azithromycin. Administer azithromycin at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after antacids.
Warfarin
Increased anticoagulant effect, monitor INR.
Nelfinavir
Increased azithromycin concentrations, monitor for side effects.
QT-prolonging drugs
Increased risk of QT prolongation, e.g., antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms may include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and reversible hearing loss. Management: Symptomatic and supportive measures. Gastric lavage and activated charcoal may be considered.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Excreted in breast milk; caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing mother.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to azithromycin, erythromycin, any macrolide or ketolide antibiotic, or any excipients.
- History of cholestatic jaundice/hepatic dysfunction associated with prior azithromycin use.
Drug Interactions
Antacids
May decrease peak plasma concentrations of azithromycin. Administer azithromycin at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after antacids.
Warfarin
Increased anticoagulant effect, monitor INR.
Nelfinavir
Increased azithromycin concentrations, monitor for side effects.
QT-prolonging drugs
Increased risk of QT prolongation, e.g., antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms may include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and reversible hearing loss. Management: Symptomatic and supportive measures. Gastric lavage and activated charcoal may be considered.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Excreted in breast milk; caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing mother.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
24-36 months from the date of manufacture, specific to manufacturer.
Availability
Pharmacies, Hospitals
Approval Status
FDA Approved
Patent Status
Off-patent (Generic available)
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Numerous clinical trials have established Azithromycin's efficacy and safety for indicated bacterial infections.
Lab Monitoring
- Liver function tests (in patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment)
- Renal function tests (in patients with severe renal impairment)
- INR (if co-administered with warfarin)
- ECG (in patients at risk for QT prolongation)
Doctor Notes
- Advise patients to report any signs of hypersensitivity reaction or prolonged diarrhea.
- Caution in patients with prolonged QT interval or uncorrected hypokalemia/hypomagnesemia.
- Consider drug interactions, especially with warfarin and QT-prolonging agents.
Patient Guidelines
- Complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve.
- Do not share this medicine with others.
- Contact your doctor if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
Missed Dose Advice
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
Driving Precautions
Azithromycin is unlikely to affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if dizziness occurs, patients should avoid driving.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain good hydration.
- Avoid alcohol during treatment as it may exacerbate GI side effects.
- Consume probiotics to help manage antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
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Global Brand Names
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