Description
Zithromax
Zithromax is a macrolide antibiotic with a powerful bacteriostatic effect. It is available in the form of film-coated tablets, IV injection and oral suspension. The composition of various dosage forms of Zithromax includes the antibacterial agent Azithromycin.
Zithromax has a high activity against a wide range of pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus or pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae or Moraxella catarrhalis.
Zithromax prevents the growth and spread of infection by disturbing the production of protein in the cells of pathogenic microorganisms.
Prescribing Information
Zithromax is prescribed for the treatment of various types of infections in adults or children older than two years. Zithromax has the maximum efficacy for the treatment of illnessesof mild or moderate intensity.
The list of diseases, in which Zithromax is recommended,includes:
Skin infections (uncomplicated acne).
Urogenital infections (cervicitis or urethritis).
Respiratory infections (community-acquired pneumonia).
ENT (acute otitis media, pharyngitis or sinusitis).
Dosage
The size of the dose and the duration of Zithromax course may vary. The criteria for choosing the most effective dosage regimen for Zithromax are:
- age or body weight of the patient
- type and intensity of the disease
- used dosage form of Zithromax
- individual clinical response of the patient
For example, Zithromax 1000 mg or 2000 mg should be taken oncefor the pharmacotherapy of the majority of sexually transmitted infections. Depending on the type and/or intensity of the infectious disease, Zithromax can be used for 1-10 days.
The average daily dose of Zithromax for treatment of infections in adults or adolescents with a body weight of more than 45 kg is 500 mg. The supporting adult dose of Zithromax is 250 mg per day.
The size of the initial pediatric dose of Zithromax for the treatment of respiratory or ENT infections can vary from 10 mg/kg to 30 mg/kg. The maintenance dose of Zithromax for children with infections is 5 mg/kg per day.
Interactions
Zithromax has a very low potential for drug interaction. However, the risk of adverse reactions increases with the joint use of Zithromax with some:
- anticoagulants (Warfarin)
- antiviral drugs (Nelfinavir)
To reduce the risk of unwanted events, it is recommended to adjust Zithromax dose when it is used concomitantly with one of these medicines.
Today, there is insufficient evidence of Zithromax interaction with anti-seizure medications (Phenytoin) or cardiac glycosides (Digoxin). However, these drugs interact with other macrolide antibiotics, so precautions should be takenwhen they are used together with Zithromax.
Side effects
Zithromax can cause transient, mild or moderate adverse reactions. The frequency and intensity of adverse events of Zithromax depends on the dose of this antibiotic used.
Zithromax can cause such frequent gastrointestinal events, as diarrhea, abdominal pain, or vomiting. The list of rare side effects includes:
- headache
- joint pain
- loss of appetite
- dizziness
- severe weakness
Tips
Zithromax is not intended for the treatment of viral infections, including viral pneumonia, HIV or colds.
To effectively treat infectious diseases and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance, the dosage schedule of Zithromax should be followedwithout skipping the prescribed doses.
Patients with severe liver or kidney disease may need to adjust the daily dose of Zithromax.