Overview
Azithromycinis used to treat severe cases of thickened mucus caused by bacterial infections. This medicine helps by killing the bacteria. Azithromycin is also used to treat severe cases of nasal congestion caused bysinusitis, to treat certain cases ofpneumonia, to treat inflammation of the throat caused by bacterial infections, to treat certain bacterial skin infections, to treat inflammation of the urethra caused by bacterial infections, to treat inflammation of the cervix, to treat certain genital diseases in men, and to treat middle ear infections in children.
Name of the medicinal product
Zithrokan
Qualitative and quantitative composition
Azithromycin
How to use
Follow directions on the product label, information guide, and provided by your doctor before usingAzithromycin. Use thismedicineas per your doctor's instructions.
Azithromycinis used with or without food.
Typical Dosage
The typical adult dose of Azithromycin is 500 mg once daily for 3 days. The typical dose for children is 10 mg per kg of body weight once daily for 3 days. This medicine is commonly used for a period of 5 days forpneumonia, 5 days for throat infections, 3 days for middle ear infections, and 3 days for severe nasal congestion.
This medicine should be used on anas-needed basis. You should continue to use this medicine as directed by the doctor even if you feel well.
If using the liquid form of thismedicine, measure the dose using the provided measuring cup, spoon, or dropper. Before pouring the medicine into the measuring device, you should check the measurement markings carefully. Then, pour the dose amount into the device. After use, clean and store the measuring device in a safe place for your next use. You should not use a tablespoon or teaspoon as the dose measuring devices since it can result in an incorrect dose. If indicated on the product package, shake themedicinebefore use.
Talk to Your Doctor
Tell your doctor if you develop new symptoms.
Older patients may see an increase in the risk ofside-effects. Hence, a lower dose may be recommended.
This medicine may not be as effective if it is used for extended periods of time.
Use in Children
If you are givingAzithromycinto a child, be sure to use a product that is meant for use in children. Before giving this medicine, use the child's weight or age to find the right dose from the leaflet or product package. You can also read thedosage sectionof this page to know the correct dose for your child. Else, consult with your doctor and follow their recommendation.
Storage
StoreAzithromycinbetween 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F), away from moisture, and away from light. Keep thismedicineaway from children andpets.
Medicines may be given for uses other than those listed in the medicine guide. Do not useAzithromycinfor symptoms for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Azithromycin to others who may have similar symptoms as you. Self-medication can cause harm.
AzithromycinDosage
Dosage forpneumonia
Adult
·Recommended: On the first day 500 mg as a single dose. 250 mg once a day from the 2nd to 5th day.
Children
·Recommended: On the first day a single dose of 10 mg per kg of body weight / 4.5 mg per lb of body weight. Followed by 5 mg per kg of body weight / 2.25 mg per lb of weight once a day from the 2nd to the 5th day.
Dosage forpharyngitis/tonsillitis
Adult
·Recommended: On the first day 500 mg as a single dose. 250 mg once a day from the 2nd to 5th day.
Children (children 2 years old and above)
·Recommended: 12 mg/kg (5.44 mg/lb) once daily for 5 days
Children (8 kg / 18 lb)
·Maximum: 500 mg total over 5 days
Children (17 kg / 37 lb)
·Maximum: 1000 mg total over 5 days
Children (25 kg / 55 lb)
·Maximum: 1500 mg total over 5 days
Children (33 kg / 73 lb)
·Maximum: 2000 mg total over 5 days
Children (40 kg / 88 lb)
·Maximum: 2500 mg total over 5 days
Dosage forskin infection
Adult
·Recommended: On the first day 500 mg as a single dose followed by 250 mg once a day from 2nd to 5th day
Dosage forlong-term obstructive pulmonary disease
Adult
·Recommended: 500 mg once daily for 3 days or 500 mg on the first day as a single dose followed by 250 mg once a day from 2nd to 5th day
Dosage foracute bacterial sinusitis
Adult
·Recommended: 500 mg once daily for 3 days
Children
·Recommended: 10 mg per kg of body weight (4.54 mg per lb of body weight) once daily for 3 days
Dosage forgenital ulcer disease (chancroid)
Adult
·Recommended: 1000 mg as a single dose
Dosage fornon-gonococcal urethritis and cervicitis
Adult
·Recommended: 1000 mg as a single dose
Dosage forgonococcal urethritis and cervicitis
Adult
·Recommended: 2000 mg as a single dose
Dosage foracute otitis media
Children (5 kg / 11 lb)
·Recommended: 30 mg/kg (13.61 mg/lb) as a single dose or 10 mg/kg (4.54 mg/lb) once daily for 3 days or 10 mg/kg (4.54 mg/lb) as a single dose on Day 1 followed by 5 mg/kg/day (2.26 mg/lb/day) on Day 2 to 5
·Maximum: 150 mg total over 3 or 5 days
Children (10 kg / 22 lb)
·Maximum: 300 mg total over 3 or 5 days
Children (20 kg / 44 lb)
·Maximum: 600 mg total over 3 or 5 days
Children (30 kg / 66 lb)
·Maximum: 900 mg total over 3 or 5 days
Children (40 kg / 88 lb)
·Maximum: 1200 mg total over 3 or 5 days
Children (50 kg and above (110 lb and above))
·Maximum: 1500 mg total over 3 or 5 days
Dosage forotitis media with community-acquired pneumonia
Children (5 kg (11 lb))
·Maximum: 150 mg for five days
Children (10 kg (22 lb))
·Maximum: 300 mg for five days
Children (20 kg (44 lb))
·Maximum: 600 mg for five days
Children (30 kg (66 lb))
·Maximum: 900 mg for five days
Children (40 kg (88 lb))
·Maximum: 1200 mg for five days
Children (50 kg and above (110 lb and above))
·Maximum: 1500 mg for five days
Dosage forotitis media with bacterial sinusitis
Children (5 kg / 11 lb)
·Maximum: 150 mg total over three days
Children (10 kg / 22 lb)
·Maximum: 300 mg total over three days
Children (20 kg / 44 lb)
·Maximum: 600 mg total over three days
Children (30 kg / 66 lb)
·Maximum: 900 mg total over three days
Children (40 kg / 88 lb)
·Maximum: 1200 mg total over three days
Children (50 kg and above (110 lb and above))
·Maximum: 1500 mg total over three days
Minimum Age
6 months old for the treatment of ear infections, sinus infections, and pneumonia. 2 years old for infected throat or tonsils.
Dosage calculation for children
To calculate the dosage for children please use theweight based dose calculatorto calculate the appropriate dosage as per the weight of your child.
Forms
Film-coated tablets
Strength:250 mg, 500 mg
Oral suspension
Strength:100 mg/5 mL and 200 mg/5 mL
Injection
Strength:500 mg and 2500 mg
Capsule
Strength:250 mg
Special Instructions
Oral suspension
Take this medicine with or without food.
Oral formulations (capsules and granules)
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if the time for the next dose is almost there, then skip the missed dose and follow the regular dosing schedule. Avoid taking a repeated dose to make up for a missed one.
Overdose
What to do if you overdose on Azithromycin?
No specific antidote for an overdose ofAzithromycinis available. The treatment depends on its symptoms.
Symptoms of an overdose of Azithromycin
If you use too much of this medicine, it could lead to dangerous levels of the medicine in your body. In such cases, symptoms of an overdose may include:
·diarrhea
·nausea
·vomiting
If you think you have overdosed on Azithromycin, call a poison control center immediately.
Side-effects in Older Patients
Azithromycinmay cause increased incidence ofside-effectsin older patients. Elderly patients may see an increased risk of arrhythmia.
Long-term Use
The effectiveness of this medicine may decrease and the bacteria may become resistant to it if it is taken for a long time.
Azithromycin Side-effects
The following side-effects may commonly occur when usingAzithromycin. If any of these side-effects worsen or last for a long time, you should consult with your doctor:
·abdominal pain
·decreased bicarbonate in the blood
·diarrhea
·increase in monocytes
·increase in neutrophils
·increase in white blood cells
·increasedbasophils
·low lymphocyte count
·nausea
·vomiting
The following side-effects may commonly occur in older patients on the use of Azithromycin. Discuss with your doctor if any of these side-effects last for a long time or are severe:
·prolonged heartbeat (QT interval prolongation)
The following severe side-effects may also occur when usingAzithromycin:
·Liver damage ((possibly) fatal)
Symptoms:vomiting,fever, loss of appetite, stomach pain, change in the color ofstools, weakness, dark colored urine, unusualtiredness,abdominal pain, tenderness, yellowing of the skin or of the whites of the eyes,nausea itching
If this happens, discontinue the medicine and consult with the doctor.
·Worsening of skeletal muscle weakness
Symptoms:muscle weaknessbreathing problems
If this happens, consult with the doctor.
·Serious allergic and skin reactions including Stevens-Johnsonsyndrome, and drug-induced skin disease ((possibly) fatal)
Symptoms:trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling of the lips, swelling of the tongue, swelling of the face, throat tightness, abnormal voice changes (hoarseness), rapid heartbeat, faintness, skin rash (hives), new onset offeverswollen lymph nodes
In case of severe allergic reactions, discontinue the medicine and consult with the doctor.
·Serious heart rhythm changes ((possibly) fatal)
Symptoms:palpitation, faintnessdizziness
In case of serious heart rhythm changes, consult with the doctor.
·Diarrhea
Symptoms:fevercramps
If this occurs, consult with the doctor.
Your doctor has prescribedAzithromycinbecause they judge that the benefit is greater than the risk posed byside-effects. Many people using this medicine do not have serious side-effects. This page does not list all possible side-effects ofAzithromycin.
If you experience side-effects or notice other side-effects not listed above, contact your doctor for medical advice. You may also report side-effects to your local food and drug administration authority.
Produced by: Hikma pharmaceutical company
Imported by: abuubakar sadiiq pharmaceutical company