🦠 Althrocin 500 Tablet – Powerful protection against bacterial infections!
Althrocin 500 Tablet
Product Introduction
Althrocin 500 Tablet contains Erythromycin (500mg), a well-established macrolide antibiotic with over 70 years of clinical use. First isolated from the soil bacterium Saccharopolyspora erythraea in 1952, this medication has remained a cornerstone in antibiotic therapy for various bacterial infections.
Erythromycin works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, effectively stopping the growth and multiplication of susceptible bacteria. Its spectrum of activity covers many gram-positive bacteria, some gram-negative bacteria, and certain atypical pathogens that may not respond to other antibiotics. This broad coverage makes Althrocin 500 Tablet valuable for treating respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and certain sexually transmitted diseases.
The 500mg formulation represents a standard therapeutic dose for adults, providing sufficient concentration to combat most susceptible bacterial infections while maintaining a reasonable side effect profile. Althrocin is available as an enteric-coated tablet, which helps protect the active ingredient from stomach acid degradation and reduces gastrointestinal irritation.
Erythromycin has historically been an important alternative for patients with penicillin allergies, offering effective treatment for many conditions that would otherwise be treated with penicillin-based antibiotics. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties may provide additional benefit in certain conditions, such as acne and rosacea.
Despite the development of newer antibiotics, Althrocin remains clinically relevant due to its established safety profile, effectiveness against specific pathogens, and familiarity among healthcare providers. It continues to be prescribed for both its primary antimicrobial effects and as part of combination therapies for complex infections.
Understanding the proper use, benefits, and potential considerations of Althrocin 500 Tablet is essential for patients to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes while minimizing risks such as antibiotic resistance and adverse effects.
Key Composition & Ingredients
- Active Ingredient: Erythromycin 500mg
- Inactive Ingredients: Calcium phosphate, corn starch, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, sodium croscarmellose, titanium dioxide, and enteric coating polymers
Uses of Althrocin Tablet
- Treatment of upper respiratory tract infections (pharyngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis)
- Management of lower respiratory tract infections (bronchitis, pneumonia)
- Treatment of skin and soft tissue infections
- Management of certain sexually transmitted infections (chlamydia, syphilis)
- Treatment of diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough)
- Management of Legionnaires' disease
- Treatment of intestinal amebiasis
- Alternative for penicillin-allergic patients with streptococcal infections
- Long-term treatment of acne vulgaris
- Treatment of erythrasma
- Prophylaxis against bacterial endocarditis in susceptible patients
Benefits of Althrocin Tablet
- Broad-spectrum coverage against many common pathogens
- Alternative for patients with penicillin allergy
- Achieves good tissue penetration, reaching infection sites effectively
- Low risk of serious adverse effects compared to some other antibiotics
- Available in oral form, allowing outpatient treatment
- Anti-inflammatory properties beneficial in certain conditions
- Established safety profile with decades of clinical use
- Can be used during pregnancy when benefits outweigh risks
- Cost-effective compared to newer antibiotics
How Althrocin Tablet Works
Althrocin works by binding to the 50S subunit of bacterial ribosomes, preventing the transfer of amino acids to growing peptide chains. This inhibits protein synthesis, which is essential for bacterial growth and reproduction. By stopping bacteria from producing vital proteins, erythromycin prevents bacterial multiplication, allowing the body's immune system to clear the infection.
How the Drug Works (Mechanism of Action)
Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that primarily acts as a bacteriostatic agent by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. It binds reversibly to the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria, specifically at the P site. This binding prevents the translocation step of protein synthesis, blocking the addition of amino acids to the growing peptide chain.
The drug interferes with aminoacyl translocation, preventing the transfer of the peptidyl tRNA from the A site to the P site of the ribosome. This effectively halts protein synthesis, inhibiting bacterial growth. At higher concentrations, erythromycin may also exhibit bactericidal activity against highly susceptible organisms.
Additionally, erythromycin demonstrates prokinetic effects through its ability to bind to motilin receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, which increases gut motility. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties independent of its antimicrobial action, which contributes to its effectiveness in conditions like acne and rosacea.
Dosage of Althrocin Tablet
Daily Dose
- Adults and children over 12 years: 250-500mg every 6 hours or 500-1000mg every 12 hours, depending on severity of infection
- Severe infections: Up to 4g daily in divided doses
- Streptococcal infections: Minimum 10 days of treatment required
- Acne treatment: 250-500mg twice daily
Missed Dose
- Take as soon as remembered unless close to next scheduled dose
- Do not double the dose to make up for a missed dose
- Maintain equal time intervals between doses when possible
- Resume regular dosing schedule after taking missed dose
Overdose
- Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and hearing loss
- Seek immediate medical attention if overdose is suspected
- Treatment is supportive and may include activated charcoal for recent ingestion
Mode of Action of Althrocin Tablet
Althrocin exerts its antibacterial effects through:
- Binding to bacterial ribosomes, preventing protein synthesis
- Bacteriostatic action at usual concentrations (stops bacterial growth)
- Bactericidal action at higher concentrations against certain organisms
- May have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects
- Affects bacterial cell membrane permeability in some cases
- Demonstrates post-antibiotic effect (continued suppression after drug is cleared)
How to Use Althrocin Tablet
- Take with a full glass of water
- Can be taken with or without food (taking with food may reduce stomach upset)
- For best absorption, take at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals
- Take at evenly spaced intervals to maintain constant blood levels
- Complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve
- Swallow tablets whole; do not crush or chew enteric-coated tablets
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's prescription exactly
- Take at the same times each day to maintain blood levels
- Complete the entire prescribed course, typically 7-14 days
- Space doses evenly throughout the day (e.g., every 6 hours for four-times-daily dosing)
- Consider taking with food if gastrointestinal upset occurs
- Store properly at room temperature away from moisture
Side Effects of Althrocin Tablet
Common Side Effects
- Gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea)
- Loss of appetite
- Temporary hearing loss (at high doses)
- Abnormal taste sensations
- Skin rash or itching
Serious Side Effects
- Severe allergic reactions
- Serious skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis)
- Liver dysfunction (cholestatic jaundice)
- QT interval prolongation (heart rhythm disturbance)
- Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea
- Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (in infants)
Side Effects & How to Manage Them
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Take with food; smaller, more frequent meals; probiotics after course completion
- Nausea and Vomiting: Stay hydrated; take medication with food; small, frequent meals
- Diarrhea: Maintain hydration; avoid dairy and high-fiber foods temporarily; probiotic supplements
- Skin Rash: Discontinue medication and contact doctor immediately if severe
- Hearing Changes: Report immediately; may require dose adjustment or discontinuation
- Liver Problems: Report yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine, or abdominal pain immediately
- Taste Disturbances: Usually temporary; maintain good oral hygiene
Safety Advice for Althrocin Tablet
Alcohol
Avoid alcohol as it may increase gastrointestinal side effects and stress the liver.
Pregnancy
Category B. Generally considered safe, but use only if clearly needed.
Breast Feeding
Use caution. Small amounts pass into breast milk but generally safe.
Driving
Generally safe, but watch for side effects like dizziness or visual disturbances.
Kidney
Use with caution in severe kidney disease. Dose adjustment not usually required.
Liver
Use with caution. Dose adjustment may be necessary in liver disease.
Children
Safe for children when properly dosed based on weight. Not recommended for infants under 1 month.
Older Patients
May require dose adjustment. Increased risk of QT prolongation.
Lactation
Small amounts pass into breast milk. Generally considered compatible with breastfeeding.
Allergy
Contraindicated if allergic to erythromycin or other macrolide antibiotics.
Warnings & Precautions of Althrocin Tablet
- History of QT interval prolongation or cardiac arrhythmias
- Use of medications that prolong QT interval
- Myasthenia gravis (may worsen symptoms)
- History of liver disease
- Pregnancy category B (use when benefits outweigh risks)
- Not recommended with certain statins due to interaction risk
- Prolonged use may lead to superinfection
- May interfere with certain laboratory tests
- Can cause infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in infants
- May exacerbate symptoms in patients with myasthenia gravis
Interactions with Althrocin Tablet
Drug-Drug Interactions
- Statins (lovastatin, simvastatin): Increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis
- Warfarin: Enhanced anticoagulant effect
- Theophylline: Increased theophylline levels and toxicity
- Carbamazepine: Increased carbamazepine levels and toxicity
- Digoxin: Increased digoxin levels
- Triazolam, midazolam: Increased sedative effects
- Sildenafil, tadalafil: Increased levels and side effects
- Ergot alkaloids: Risk of ergotism
- QT-prolonging medications: Increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias
- Tacrolimus, cyclosporine: Increased immunosuppressant levels
Drug-Food Interactions
- Grapefruit juice: May increase erythromycin blood levels; avoid concurrent use
- High-fat meals: May slightly decrease absorption of some formulations
- Acidic beverages: May degrade enteric coating if tablet is crushed
Contraindications of Althrocin Tablet
- Hypersensitivity to erythromycin or any macrolide antibiotic
- Concomitant use with terfenadine, astemizole, cisapride, pimozide
- Concurrent administration with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (certain statins)
- History of QT prolongation or ventricular cardiac arrhythmia
- Severe liver disease
- History of erythromycin-induced cholestatic jaundice
Safety Measures & FDA Pregnancy Category
- FDA Pregnancy Category B
- Regular monitoring of liver function during prolonged therapy
- ECG monitoring in patients with cardiac disease
- Discontinue immediately if signs of hepatic dysfunction appear
- Watch for signs of superinfection during extended use
- Complete the full course as prescribed to prevent resistance
- Monitor for C. difficile-associated diarrhea
Diet & Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain adequate hydration while taking this medication
- Take probiotics (after completing antibiotic course) to restore gut flora
- Avoid grapefruit juice during treatment period
- Complete the full prescribed course to prevent antibiotic resistance
- Report persistent or severe diarrhea to your doctor
- Practice good hygiene to prevent reinfection or spread
- Avoid direct sunlight if you experience photosensitivity
- Take with food if gastrointestinal upset occurs
- Avoid close contact with others if treating highly contagious infections
Why Doctors Recommend This Medicine
Doctors prescribe Althrocin because it:
- Provides effective coverage against many common pathogens
- Serves as an alternative for penicillin-allergic patients
- Has a long-established safety and efficacy profile
- Achieves good tissue penetration, reaching infection sites effectively
- Treats atypical pathogens not covered by other antibiotics
- Has anti-inflammatory properties beneficial in certain conditions
- Is available in various formulations for different patient needs
- Has relatively low resistance rates for certain conditions
Substitutes of Althrocin Tablet & Alternative Medicines
-
Other macrolides:
- Azithromycin (longer half-life, fewer daily doses)
- Clarithromycin (better acid stability, fewer GI side effects)
- Roxithromycin (better absorption, fewer drug interactions)
-
For respiratory infections:
- Amoxicillin (if not penicillin-allergic)
- Doxycycline
- Levofloxacin (for serious infections)
-
For skin infections:
- Cephalexin
- Clindamycin
- Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
-
For acne treatment:
- Doxycycline
- Minocycline
- Topical treatments (benzoyl peroxide, retinoids)
Storage Guidelines
- Store at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C)
- Protect from light and moisture
- Keep in original container with lid tightly closed
- Keep out of reach of children
- Do not store in bathroom medicine cabinets
- Do not use after expiration date
- Discard any unused medication properly
User Feedback & Patient Concerns
Most patients report effective treatment of infections with Althrocin. Common concerns include gastrointestinal side effects, particularly nausea and abdominal discomfort. Some patients report metallic taste during treatment. Compliance with the full course is sometimes challenging due to GI side effects or multiple daily doses. Patients with penicillin allergies generally appreciate having an effective alternative treatment option.
Quick Tips for Althrocin Tablet
- Take with food if stomach upset occurs
- Space doses evenly throughout the day for maximum effectiveness
- Complete the entire prescribed course, even after feeling better
- Report serious side effects like jaundice or severe diarrhea immediately
- Avoid concurrent use with certain medications without doctor approval
- Stay hydrated, especially if experiencing diarrhea
- Probiotics may help restore gut flora after completing treatment
- Avoid grapefruit juice during treatment
- Take at the same times each day to maintain consistent blood levels
Fact Box
- Chemical Class: Macrolide antibiotic
- Habit Forming: No
- Therapeutic Class: Antibacterial
- Action Class: Protein synthesis inhibitor
Useful Diagnostic Tests
- Culture and sensitivity testing before initiating treatment
- Liver function tests for extended therapy
- Complete blood count if prolonged use
- ECG for patients with cardiac history
- Hearing assessment if high-dose or prolonged therapy
- Monitoring for C. difficile if severe diarrhea develops
More Information & References
For more detailed information, consult healthcare professionals and refer to resources provided by infectious disease associations, FDA medication guides, and pharmaceutical references such as the Physician's Desk Reference.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment, and medication guidance tailored to your specific condition.
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