Azee 500 for Bacterial Infections – Benefits, Dosage, and Safety Info

Azee 500 Tablet – Effective antibiotic for bacterial infections.
๐Ÿ’Š Azee 500 Tablet – A trusted antibiotic for bacterial infections!

Azee 500 Tablet

๐Ÿ’Š Type: Prescription Medicine
๐Ÿข Manufacturer: Cipla Ltd
๐Ÿงช Composition: Azithromycin (500mg)
๐ŸŒก️ Storage: Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place
๐Ÿ” Similar Medicines: [Click here to view substitutes]

Product Introduction

Azee 500 Tablet is a potent antibiotic medication containing 500mg of Azithromycin, an effective broad-spectrum macrolide antibiotic that has become a cornerstone in the treatment of various bacterial infections. Belonging to the macrolide class of antibiotics, Azithromycin works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, thereby stopping the growth and multiplication of infection-causing bacteria.

What sets Azithromycin apart from many other antibiotics is its unique pharmacokinetic profile, allowing for once-daily dosing and shorter treatment durations in many cases. The medication rapidly distributes throughout the body tissues and maintains therapeutic concentrations for extended periods, which enables effective treatment with fewer doses compared to many other antibiotics.

Azee 500 is commonly prescribed for respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinusitis, as well as skin infections, ear infections, and certain sexually transmitted diseases. Its broad spectrum of activity makes it effective against many common bacterial pathogens, including those responsible for community-acquired pneumonia and other respiratory infections.

The 500mg strength tablet represents the standard adult dose for many infections, providing convenient oral administration and generally good tolerability compared to some alternative antibiotics. Azithromycin's ability to achieve high tissue concentrations enables it to effectively target infections at their source, while its generally low propensity for drug interactions makes it suitable for many patients, including those on other medications.

As with all antibiotics, Azee 500 should only be used when prescribed by a healthcare professional to treat confirmed or strongly suspected bacterial infections. Proper use helps ensure effective treatment while reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance, which is a growing global health concern.

Key Composition & Ingredients

  • Active Ingredient: Azithromycin 500mg (as Azithromycin dihydrate)
  • Inactive Ingredients: May include microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch, sodium starch glycolate, magnesium stearate, sodium lauryl sulfate, hypromellose, lactose, titanium dioxide, and triacetin

Uses of Azee Tablet

  • Upper respiratory tract infections:
    • Acute bacterial sinusitis
    • Streptococcal pharyngitis/tonsillitis
    • Acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis
  • Lower respiratory tract infections:
    • Community-acquired pneumonia
    • Bronchitis
  • Skin and soft tissue infections:
    • Uncomplicated skin infections
    • Cellulitis
    • Impetigo
  • Sexually transmitted infections:
    • Non-gonococcal urethritis and cervicitis
    • Genital ulcer disease
  • Middle ear infections (otitis media)
  • Prevention and treatment of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) in patients with HIV
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Traveler's diarrhea
  • Some ophthalmic infections

Benefits of Azee Tablet

  • Broad-spectrum activity against many common bacterial pathogens
  • Convenient once-daily dosing
  • Short treatment duration for many infections (often 3-5 days)
  • High tissue penetration and concentration at infection sites
  • Long half-life allowing for less frequent dosing
  • Generally well-tolerated with fewer gastrointestinal side effects than some other antibiotics
  • Can be taken with or without food (though absorption may be better without food)
  • Lower risk of certain drug interactions compared to some other antibiotics
  • Effective against both typical and atypical pathogens that cause respiratory infections
  • Often remains effective against pathogens that have developed resistance to penicillins and cephalosporins

How Azee Tablet Works

Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that works through the following mechanisms:

  1. It binds to the 50S subunit of bacterial ribosomes, inhibiting protein synthesis
  2. This inhibition prevents bacteria from growing and multiplying
  3. Depending on the organism and drug concentration, it can be bacteriostatic (stopping bacterial growth) or bactericidal (killing bacteria)
  4. Azithromycin concentrates in phagocytes, which deliver it to sites of infection
  5. The drug achieves high and sustained concentrations in tissues, often exceeding serum levels by 10-100 times
  6. Its long half-life (68 hours) allows for once-daily dosing and shorter treatment courses
  7. The post-antibiotic effect continues to suppress bacterial growth even after drug levels have declined

Dosage of Azee Tablet

Daily Dose

  • Respiratory infections, skin infections: 500mg once daily for 3 days
  • Sexually transmitted diseases: Single 1g (two 500mg tablets) dose
  • Typhoid fever: 500mg once daily for 7 days
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease: 500mg once daily for 7-14 days
  • MAC prophylaxis in HIV: 1200mg once weekly

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and hearing loss. Seek immediate medical attention if overdose is suspected.

How to Use Azee Tablet

  • Take Azee tablet exactly as prescribed by your doctor
  • It can be taken with or without food, but taking it at the same time each day helps maintain consistent blood levels
  • Take the tablet with a full glass of water
  • Complete the full course of medication even if you feel better before it's finished
  • If taking antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, take Azee at least 2 hours before or after
  • Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush, chew, or break it
  • Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat

Side Effects of Azee Tablet

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Headache
  • Dizziness

Serious Side Effects

  • Severe allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing)
  • Severe diarrhea (watery or bloody stools)
  • Liver problems (yellowing of eyes/skin, dark urine, persistent nausea, stomach pain)
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Hearing changes (hearing loss, ringing in ears)
  • QT prolongation (rare heartbeat disorder that can be serious)

How to Manage Side Effects

  • Taking the medication with food may help reduce stomach upset
  • Stay hydrated, especially if experiencing diarrhea
  • Probiotics may help reduce antibiotic-associated digestive issues
  • Contact your doctor if side effects persist or worsen
  • Seek immediate medical attention for signs of allergic reaction, severe diarrhea, or irregular heartbeat

Safety Advice for Azee Tablet

Alcohol

Avoid alcohol while taking Azee as it may increase the risk of liver problems and enhance side effects.

Pregnancy

Category B - Generally considered safe, but use only if clearly needed and under medical supervision during pregnancy.

Breast Feeding

Small amounts pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before using while breastfeeding.

Driving

Usually safe to drive unless you experience dizziness or fatigue as side effects.

Kidney

Use with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Dose adjustment may be required.

Liver

Use with caution in patients with liver disease. Regular monitoring of liver function may be required.

Children

Safety and efficacy established for certain infections. Pediatric doses are weight-based and determined by a doctor.

Older Patients

Generally well-tolerated, but may have increased risk of QT interval prolongation. Monitor cardiac status in elderly patients.

Allergy

Do not take if you have known hypersensitivity to Azithromycin, erythromycin, or any macrolide or ketolide antibiotics.

Warnings & Precautions of Azee Tablet

  • May cause QT interval prolongation; use with caution in patients with heart conditions
  • Risk of myasthenia gravis exacerbation in affected patients
  • May cause Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, which can range from mild to life-threatening
  • Not effective against viral infections like the common cold or flu
  • Inappropriate use may lead to development of antibiotic resistance
  • Complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve
  • May cause liver function abnormalities; discontinue if signs of liver injury occur
  • May rarely cause serious allergic reactions requiring immediate medical attention
  • Risk of superinfections due to overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms
  • Inform all healthcare providers about this medication before procedures or starting other medications

Interactions with Azee Tablet

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium: Reduce absorption; separate by at least 2 hours
  • Warfarin: May enhance anticoagulant effect; monitor INR
  • Statins (e.g., lovastatin, simvastatin): Increased risk of myopathy; avoid concurrent use
  • QT-prolonging drugs (e.g., amiodarone, sotalol): Increased risk of arrhythmias
  • Digoxin: May increase digoxin levels; monitor levels
  • Nelfinavir: May increase azithromycin exposure
  • Ergot derivatives: Increased risk of ergotism; avoid concurrent use
  • Cyclosporine: May increase cyclosporine levels

Drug-Food Interactions

Food may slightly decrease the maximum serum concentration but does not significantly affect total absorption. Azee can be taken with or without food.

Contraindications of Azee Tablet

  • Known hypersensitivity to azithromycin, erythromycin, or any macrolide or ketolide antibiotic
  • History of cholestatic jaundice/hepatic dysfunction associated with prior azithromycin use
  • Concurrent use with ergot derivatives due to risk of ergotism
  • Patients with known QT interval prolongation, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome, or uncorrected hypokalemia/hypomagnesemia

Diet & Lifestyle Advice

  • Stay well-hydrated while taking this medication
  • Maintain good hygiene practices to prevent re-infection or spread of infection
  • Complete the entire prescribed course even if you feel better
  • Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking
  • Avoid close contact with others if you have a contagious infection
  • Take probiotics (after consulting your doctor) to maintain gut flora and reduce digestive side effects
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure if you develop photosensitivity
  • Follow a balanced diet to support immune function during infection
  • Get adequate rest to help your body recover from the infection

Why Doctors Recommend This Medicine

Doctors prescribe Azee when:

  • The infection is likely caused by susceptible bacteria
  • A broad-spectrum antibiotic with good tissue penetration is needed
  • Patient compliance might be improved by once-daily dosing and shorter treatment duration
  • Other antibiotics are not suitable due to allergies or resistance patterns
  • The infection is in locations where azithromycin achieves high concentrations
  • The patient has difficulty taking multiple daily doses
  • Rapid treatment is needed for certain sexually transmitted infections
  • The infection involves atypical pathogens like Mycoplasma or Chlamydia

Substitutes & Alternative Medicines

Other macrolide antibiotics:

  • Clarithromycin
  • Erythromycin

Other antibiotic classes (depending on infection):

  • Fluoroquinolones (e.g., Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin)
  • Tetracyclines (e.g., Doxycycline, Minocycline)
  • Beta-lactams (e.g., Amoxicillin, Cephalexin)
  • Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole

Storage Guidelines

  • Store at room temperature between 15-30°C (59-86°F)
  • Protect from light and moisture
  • Keep in the original container or packaging
  • Keep out of reach of children
  • Do not use after the expiry date printed on the package
  • Do not store in the bathroom

User Feedback & Patient Concerns

Common feedback from patients includes:

  • Appreciation for the convenience of once-daily dosing
  • Reports of improvement in respiratory symptoms often within 2-3 days
  • Questions about whether completion of the full course is necessary once symptoms improve
  • Concerns about potential side effects, particularly digestive issues
  • Interest in whether food can be taken with the medication to reduce nausea
  • Questions about alcohol consumption during treatment
  • Inquiries about managing potential digestive side effects

Quick Tips

  • Take at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels
  • Complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve
  • Taking with food may help if you experience nausea
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the course of treatment
  • Contact your doctor if you develop severe diarrhea
  • Avoid antacids within 2 hours of taking Azee
  • Report any unusual heart rhythm symptoms to your doctor immediately
  • Seek immediate medical attention for signs of allergic reaction
  • Take a probiotic supplement after consulting with your doctor
  • Keep track of your symptoms to discuss effectiveness with your doctor

Fact Box

  • Chemical Class: Azalide (subclass of macrolide antibiotics)
  • Habit Forming: No
  • Therapeutic Class: Antibiotic
  • Action Class: Protein synthesis inhibitor

Useful Diagnostic Tests

  • Culture and sensitivity testing to confirm appropriate antibiotic selection
  • Complete blood count to monitor for any blood-related side effects
  • Liver function tests if long-term therapy is planned
  • ECG for patients with cardiac risk factors before starting treatment
  • Specific tests for the underlying infection (e.g., throat swab, sputum culture)
  • Renal function tests for patients with kidney disease

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment regimen. Individual results may vary, and side effects not listed here may occur in some patients. Inappropriate use of antibiotics contributes to the development of antibiotic resistance, a serious global health concern. Only use antibiotics when prescribed by a healthcare professional for confirmed bacterial infections.

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