Azin 200 mg/5 ml

Description

Indications
Azin is indicated for the treatment of infections caused by susceptible organisms, including:

• Lower respiratory tract infections (e.g., bronchitis, pneumonia)
• Upper respiratory tract infections (e.g., sinusitis, pharyngitis/tonsillitis)
• Otitis media
• Skin and soft tissue infections
• Sexually transmitted diseases in men and women (non-gonococcal urethritis and cervicitis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis)

Consult a registered physician before taking the medication.

Pharmacology
Azithromycin is an acid-stable macrolide antibiotic that can be taken orally without protection from gastric acids. It is readily absorbed, with peak plasma concentrations occurring 2.1 to 3.2 hours after ingestion, and its absorption is greater on an empty stomach. Azithromycin has high tissue concentration, particularly in phagocytes, and is actively transported to the infection site, where it is released during phagocytosis.

It has a long half-life, allowing for a large single dose to maintain bacteriostatic levels in infected tissues for several days. Azithromycin is primarily excreted unchanged via bile, with a small amount excreted in urine.

Microbiology
Azithromycin binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit in susceptible microorganisms, inhibiting protein synthesis without affecting nucleic acid synthesis. It is effective against a broad range of microorganisms, including:

• Gram-positive: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes
• Gram-negative: Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae
• Other organisms: Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae

Dosage

• Adults:

  • 500 mg once daily for 3 days or 500 mg on Day 1, followed by 250 mg on Days 2-5.
  • For sexually transmitted diseases caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, take 1 gm as a single dose, or 500 mg on Day 1, followed by 250 mg for the next 2 days.

• Children:

  • 10 mg/kg body weight once daily for 3 days (for children over 6 months).
  • Specific dosing for weight groups:
    • 200 mg (15-25 kg)
    • 300 mg (26-35 kg)
    • 400 mg (36-45 kg)

• Typhoid fever:

  • 500 mg once daily for 7-10 days.

Azithromycin Injection (for IV infusion only)

• 500 mg as a single daily dose for at least 2 days, followed by oral administration of 500 mg daily to complete a 7-10 day course.

Consult a registered physician for dosage adjustments.

Administration

• Suspension preparation:

  1. Shake the bottle well to loosen the powder.
  2. Add boiled and cooled water to the water mark on the bottle label.
  3. Shake until the powder is fully dissolved.

• Dosage timing: Azithromycin should be taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

Consult a registered physician before taking the medication.

Interactions

• Antacids: Take azithromycin 1 hour before or 2 hours after antacid use.
• Cyclosporin: Caution is advised when combining azithromycin and cyclosporin. Monitor cyclosporin levels if co-administered.
• Digoxin: Raised digoxin levels may occur when used with azithromycin. Monitor levels closely.
• Ergot derivatives: Do not combine with azithromycin due to the risk of ergotism.
• Warfarin: Azithromycin does not alter the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, but prothrombin time should still be monitored.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to azithromycin or other macrolides
• Co-administration with ergot derivatives
• Hepatic disease

Side Effects

• Common side effects: nausea, abdominal pain/cramps, diarrhea, flatulence, vomiting
• Allergic reactions: rash, photosensitivity
• Rare side effects: reversible liver enzyme elevation, cholestatic jaundice, hearing impairment (with prolonged high doses)
• Inform your doctor immediately if you experience serious allergic reactions like swelling of the face, tongue, or difficulty breathing.

Pregnancy & Lactation

• Pregnancy Category B: No evidence of harm to the fetus in animal studies, but should be used only when necessary.
• Azithromycin is not known if it is secreted in breast milk. Use caution during breastfeeding.

Precautions

• Monitor for allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.
• Use with caution in patients with renal impairment.
• Avoid in patients with liver disease.

Overdose Effects

• Symptoms of overdose include hearing loss, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Gastric lavage and supportive care are advised.

Storage Conditions

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from light and heat. Keep out of reach of children.

Common Questions

1. What is Azin 200 mg/5 ml Syrup used for?
   It treats various bacterial infections, including respiratory, skin, and soft tissue infections.

2. How should Azin 200 mg/5 ml Syrup be taken?
   It should be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after food.

3. What are the side effects of Azin 200 mg/5 ml Syrup?
   Possible side effects include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea. Consult your doctor if you experience severe symptoms.

4. Can I stop taking Azin if I feel better?
   No, always complete the full course of the medication as prescribed to avoid resistance and recurrence of the infection.

Quick Tips

• Always finish the full course of Azin 200 mg/5 ml Syrup.
• Take it 1 hour before or 2 hours after food.
• Monitor for diarrhea and contact your doctor if it persists or worsens.