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
Contraindication
Azithromycin is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to azithromycin, erythromycin or any macrolide antibiotic and with hepatic disease.
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.
