Azithral 500 mg Tablets 5′

Description

Azithral 500 mg Tablets is a brand name for Azithromycin, an antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It is manufactured by Alembic Pharmaceuticals and is available in a tablet form, typically with a strength of 500 mg of Azithromycin per tablet.

Composition:

• Active Ingredient: Azithromycin 500 mg per tablet.

What is Azithromycin

• Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. It binds to bacterial ribosomes, preventing the bacteria from producing the proteins they need to grow and multiply, ultimately leading to the death of the bacteria.
• Azithromycin is favored because of its long half-life, which allows for once-daily dosing and shorter treatment courses for many infections.

Indications (Uses):

Azithral 500 mg is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including:

• Respiratory Infections:
  • Pneumonia (community-acquired)
  • Bronchitis
  • Sinusitis
  • Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis
  • Otitis Media (middle ear infections)
• Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: Such as cellulitis, impetigo, and other bacterial skin infections.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs):
  • Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
• Gastrointestinal Infections: Like Traveler’s Diarrhea caused by susceptible organisms.
• Prophylaxis: In some cases, Azithromycin may be used to prevent infections in people at risk (e.g., those with weakened immune systems).

Dosage:

The dosage of Azithral 500 mg tablets depends on the condition being treated, but here are some general guidelines:

• For Adults:
  • Respiratory Infections (e.g., pneumonia, bronchitis): Typically, 500 mg once daily for 3 to 5 days.
  • Acute Sinusitis: 500 mg once daily for 3 days.
  • Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis: Often a single dose of 500 mg on the first day, followed by 250 mg daily for the next 4 days (total 5-day regimen).
  • Chlamydia: A single dose of 1,000 mg (two 500 mg tablets).
• For Children:
  • Children over 6 months of age: The dosage is generally based on weight, and the prescribing doctor will determine the appropriate dose.

Note: Always follow the exact instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist, as dosages can vary based on the specific infection and the individual patient.

How to Take Azithral 500 mg Tablets:

• Take Azithral 500 mg tablets by mouth, usually once daily with or without food.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water.
• Do not crush or chew the tablet, as this may affect how the medicine works.

Side Effects:

Azithral 500 mg tablets are generally well tolerated, but like any medication, they may cause side effects. Common side effects include:

• Gastrointestinal symptoms:
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Diarrhea (may be mild to moderate)
  • Abdominal pain or discomfort
  • Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Rash

Rare but more serious side effects include:

• Severe allergic reactions: Difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, hives.
• QT prolongation: A heart rhythm disorder that can be serious, particularly in people with a history of heart problems.
• Severe diarrhea (could indicate Clostridium difficile infection).
• Liver problems: Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or pale stools.

If you experience any of these serious side effects, seek medical attention immediately.

Precautions:

• Allergy to Azithromycin or other macrolide antibiotics: Do not take Azithral 500 mg if you are allergic to azithromycin, erythromycin, or other similar antibiotics.
• Heart Conditions: Azithromycin can cause QT prolongation (a heart rhythm disturbance) in some people, so it should be used cautiously in individuals with existing heart conditions or those taking other drugs that affect heart rhythm.
• Liver Disease: Azithromycin is metabolized in the liver, so it should be used cautiously in people with liver dysfunction.
• Kidney Disease: Use with caution in patients with impaired kidney function.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Azithromycin is generally considered safe during pregnancy (Category B) but should only be used when necessary. Azithromycin passes into breast milk, so consult a healthcare provider before breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions:

Azithral 500 mg may interact with other medications, including:

• Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium: These can reduce the absorption of azithromycin if taken at the same time. If you need to take an antacid, wait at least 2 hours before or after taking azithromycin.
• Warfarin (blood thinner): Azithromycin may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin, so regular monitoring of INR (international normalized ratio) levels is recommended.
• Drugs that affect the QT interval: These include certain antiarrhythmic drugs, antipsychotics, and other antibiotics. Taking these medications together with azithromycin could increase the risk of arrhythmias.

Contraindications:

• Known hypersensitivity to azithromycin or any component of the formulation.
• Severe liver dysfunction or active liver disease.
• History of QT prolongation or serious heart conditions (unless prescribed with caution by a doctor).

Storage:

• Azithral 500 mg tablets should be stored at room temperature (20°C to 25°C or 68°F to 77°F), away from moisture and heat.
• Keep the medication in its original container to protect it from light.
• Keep it out of the reach of children.