Azalid

ANTIBIOTICS: Azithromycin

Indication

Azalid (Azithromycin) is indicated for the treatment of infections caused by susceptible bacteria.

1.  Mild to moderate typhoid fever

2. Upper respiratory tract infections including pharyngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis and otitis media; lower respiratory tract infections including bronchitis and pneumonia

3.  Skin and soft tissue infections including acne, cellulitis, pyoderma, wound infections etc.

4. Genital infections including chancroid, gonococcal and nongonococcal urethritis, cervicitis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and uncomplicated gonococcal infections of the cervix, urethra and rectum caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae

5. Odontogenic  infections  including  dental  caries,  pulpitis,  periapical  abscess osteoperiostitis of the jaw, maxillary cysts and periodontal and deep facial space infections

Dosage & Administration

Adults : 500 mg once daily for 3 days 

(Typhoid fever:  500 mg – 1 g once daily for 5 – 7 days)

(Acne: 500 mg once daily for 3 days then at 4 days interval  for 12 weeks)

Children : Over 6 months 10 mg / kg once daily for 3 days (Typhoid fever: 20 mg/kg for 5 days)

15-25 kg :     200 mg once daily for 3 days

26-35 kg :     300 mg once daily for 3 days

36-45 kg :     400 mg once daily for 3 days

Side Effect

Azithromycin is well tolerated with a low incidence of adverse effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or abdominal pain.

Precaution

Azithromycin should be used with caution in patients with impaired renal function.

The drug should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed.

Azithromycin has been detected in human milk. The drug should be used with caution in nursing women.

Drug Interaction

Azithromycin absorption is reduced in presence of food and antacid. So it should be administered 1 hour before or 2 hours after meal. Ergot alkaloids and azithromycin should be avoided concurrently because of the possibility of ergotism. Macrolides have been known to increase the plasma concentrations of digoxin and cyclosporin.

Presentation

Azalid 250 capsule :  Each box contains 2 Alu- Alu blister strips of 4 capsules 

Azalid 500 tablet :  Each box contains 3 Alu- Alu blister strips of 4 tablets

Azalid powder for suspension:  Bottle containing dry powder to prepare 15 ml, 35 ml and 50 ml suspension.