৳ 33.33/unit
Pack: ৳ 33.33
৳ 33.33/unit
Pack: ৳ 33.33
At a glance
Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, ear, nose, throat, lungs, skin, and eyes. It is also effective in typhoid fever and some sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea.
Indications
Respiratory tract infections (bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis), otitis media, pharyngitis/tonsillitis, skin and soft tissue infections, sexually transmitted infections (chlamydia, gonorrhea), typhoid fever, Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) prophylaxis.
Pharmacology
Azithromycin is acid-stable and can be taken orally without protection from gastric acids. It is readily absorbed, with greater absorption on an empty stomach. Peak concentration in adults is 2.1-3.2 hours. Due to high concentration in phagocytes, it is actively transported to infection sites. During active phagocytosis, large concentrations are released. Tissue concentrations can be over 50 times higher than plasma (ion trapping and high lipid solubility). Half-life (68 hours) allows maintenance of bacteriostatic levels for several days. Biliary excretion of unchanged drug is the major route of elimination.
Dosage
Adult Dose:
- Respiratory, skin & soft tissue infections: 500 mg once daily for 3 days OR 500 mg on Day 1, then 250 mg on Days 2-5
- Chlamydia: 1 g single dose OR 500 mg on Day 1, then 250 mg on Days 2-3
- Gonorrhea: 2 g single dose
- Typhoid fever: 500 mg once daily for 7-10 days
- Sinusitis: 500 mg once daily for 3 days
- Community-acquired pneumonia (IV): 500 mg IV once daily for 2 days, then oral 500 mg once daily (total 7-10 days)
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (IV): 500 mg IV once daily for 1-2 days, then oral 250 mg once daily (total 7 days)
Pediatric Dose (weight-based, >6 months):
- Otitis media, pneumonia, sinusitis: 10 mg/kg once daily for 3 days
- Pharyngitis/tonsillitis (≥2 years): 12 mg/kg once daily for 5 days
- Weight-based specific doses (3 days): 15-25 kg: 200 mg; 26-35 kg: 300 mg; 36-45 kg: 400 mg
- Typhoid fever: 500 mg once daily for 7-10 days
Side effects
Common side effects: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain/cramps, diarrhea, flatulence, loose stools.
Allergic reactions: Rash, photosensitivity, serious hypersensitivity (angioneurotic edema, anaphylaxis).
Hepatic: Reversible elevations in liver transaminases, rare cholestatic jaundice.
Other: Transient mild reductions in neutrophil counts, reversible hearing impairment (with high-dose prolonged use).
Serious side effects (rare – consult doctor): Allergic reactions (rash, swelling of face/throat, difficulty breathing), QT prolongation (irregular heartbeat), Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.
Use in pregnancy
Pregnancy Category: B. Animal reproduction studies have shown no evidence of fetal harm. No adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if adequate alternatives are not available.
Pregnancy Category: B — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Precautions & warnings
Consult your doctor during pregnancy and lactation. Contraindicated in liver disease. Caution in severe renal impairment (no data for CrCl <40 mL/min). Inform your doctor of any history of allergy. Complete the full course even if you feel better. Separate from antacids by 2 hours. Allergic reactions with azithromycin may recur and require prolonged observation.
Overdose effects
No specific data on overdosage. Typical symptoms of macrolide overdose: hearing loss, severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Gastric lavage and general supportive measures are indicated.
Storage conditions
Store in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of reach of children.