💊 Azithral 500 Tablet – A powerful antibiotic for bacterial infections!
Azithral 500 Tablet
Product Introduction
Azithral 500mg Tablet contains Azithromycin (500mg), a potent macrolide antibiotic that has transformed the treatment approach for numerous bacterial infections. As a member of the azalide subclass of macrolide antibiotics, Azithromycin offers an extended spectrum of antimicrobial activity and unique pharmacokinetic properties that allow for shorter treatment courses and improved patient compliance compared to many traditional antibiotics.
Developed as an advancement over earlier macrolides like erythromycin, Azithral provides enhanced activity against gram-negative pathogens while maintaining excellent coverage against gram-positive and atypical organisms. The 500mg tablet represents a standard therapeutic strength, carefully formulated to deliver optimal antimicrobial efficacy with a convenient once-daily dosing regimen. Azithromycin's ability to achieve high tissue concentrations and its extended half-life enable shorter treatment durations—often just 3-5 days—for many common infections.
Healthcare providers prescribe Azithral after careful consideration of the patient's specific infection, medical history, and the likely causative pathogens. The medication's versatility makes it valuable across various medical specialties, from respiratory medicine to dermatology, gynecology, and infectious disease practice. Its effectiveness against community-acquired pneumonia, sinusitis, pharyngitis, skin infections, and certain sexually transmitted infections has made it a mainstay in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
The medication demonstrates particular efficacy against respiratory pathogens like Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and atypical organisms such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae. Additionally, its activity against certain sexually transmitted infections and some enteric pathogens expands its clinical utility. With its broad-spectrum activity, convenient dosing, and generally favorable safety profile, Azithral represents an important antibiotic option in the modern therapeutic arsenal against bacterial infections.
Key Composition & Ingredients
The active ingredient in Azithral 500mg Tablet is Azithromycin (500mg) as dihydrate. Inactive ingredients typically include:
- Microcrystalline cellulose
- Pregelatinized starch
- Sodium starch glycolate
- Colloidal silicon dioxide
- Magnesium stearate
- Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
- Titanium dioxide
- Lactose monohydrate
- Triacetin
- Sodium lauryl sulfate
Uses of Azithral Tablet
Azithral is primarily prescribed for:
Respiratory Tract Infections
- Community-acquired pneumonia
- Acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis
- Acute bacterial sinusitis
- Pharyngitis/tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes
- Otitis media
Skin and Soft Tissue Infections
- Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections
- Cellulitis
- Impetigo
- Secondary infected dermatoses
Sexually Transmitted Infections
- Genital ulcer disease in men
- Non-gonococcal urethritis and cervicitis
- Chlamydial infections
- Chancroid
Other Infections
- Typhoid fever
- Traveler's diarrhea
- Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) in patients with advanced HIV
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Acute bacterial infections in COPD exacerbations
- Prophylaxis and treatment of disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex disease in patients with HIV
Benefits of Azithral Tablet
- Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against many common pathogens
- Convenient once-daily dosing
- Short treatment courses (typically 3-5 days) improving patient compliance
- High tissue concentrations at infection sites
- Extended half-life allowing for continued activity after completing course
- Effective against many respiratory, skin, and sexually transmitted infections
- Generally well-tolerated with fewer gastrointestinal side effects than some other antibiotics
- Can be taken with or without food (except antacids)
- Lower incidence of drug interactions compared to some other antibiotics
- Particularly useful for patients allergic to penicillins
How Azithral Tablet Works (Mechanism of Action)
Azithromycin in Azithral works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, which is essential for bacterial survival and replication. It achieves this through binding to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, specifically to the 23S rRNA in the 50S ribosomal subunit. This binding prevents translocation of peptides during protein synthesis, effectively halting the creation of vital bacterial proteins.
Unlike many antibiotics that are bactericidal (directly killing bacteria), azithromycin is primarily bacteriostatic (inhibiting bacterial growth). However, it can be bactericidal at higher concentrations or against specific susceptible organisms. This mechanism allows the body's immune system to more effectively eliminate the immobilized bacteria.
Azithromycin also demonstrates unique pharmacokinetic properties that enhance its effectiveness. It rapidly concentrates in tissues, achieving levels in infected tissues that are significantly higher than in blood. Additionally, it accumulates within phagocytic cells (white blood cells like neutrophils and macrophages) which transport it to sites of infection. Once there, the antibiotic is released when these cells interact with bacteria, creating a targeted delivery system that increases local concentrations at infection sites.
The extended half-life of azithromycin (approximately 68 hours) allows for continued antibacterial activity for days after the last dose is taken. This property contributes to the effectiveness of short-course therapy and improved patient compliance.
Dosage of Azithral Tablet
Daily Dose
The dosage varies depending on the infection being treated:
For Adult Patients:
- Respiratory tract infections, skin infections: 500mg once daily for 3 days
- Community-acquired pneumonia: 500mg once daily for 7-10 days
- Sinusitis: 500mg once daily for 3 days
- Genital ulcer disease: 1000mg (two 500mg tablets) as a single dose
- Non-gonococcal urethritis and cervicitis: 1000mg as a single dose
- Typhoid fever: 500mg once daily for 7 days
- MAC prophylaxis in HIV patients: 1200mg once weekly
For Children:
- Dosing is based on weight (usually 10mg/kg on day 1, followed by 5mg/kg for 4 days)
- The 500mg tablet is generally not suitable for young children; pediatric formulations are preferred
Missed Dose
- Take as soon as you remember
- If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose
- Do not take two doses to make up for a missed dose
Overdose
Signs may include:
- Severe nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Temporary hearing loss
- Increased liver enzymes
If overdose is suspected, seek immediate medical attention.
How to Use Azithral Tablet
- Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor
- Can be taken with or without food, but avoid taking with antacids containing aluminum or magnesium
- If taking with food to reduce stomach upset, avoid high-fat meals which may reduce absorption
- Swallow tablet whole with a full glass of water
- Complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve before finishing
- Take at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels
- If experiencing stomach upset, take with food (except dairy products which may reduce absorption)
- Stay well-hydrated while taking this medication
Side Effects of Azithral Tablet
Common Side Effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Dyspepsia (indigestion)
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Altered taste
Serious Side Effects (Require Medical Attention)
- Severe diarrhea (may indicate Clostridioides difficile infection)
- Signs of liver problems (yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine, upper abdominal pain)
- Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, difficulty breathing)
- Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
- Severe skin reactions
- Hearing changes
- Signs of myasthenia gravis exacerbation
- Persistent nausea/vomiting
Safety Advice for Azithral Tablet
Alcohol
CAUTION: Combining alcohol with Azithral may increase risk of side effects and liver stress. Best avoided during treatment.
Pregnancy
SAFE WITH CAUTION: Category B. Generally considered safe, but should be used only when clearly needed and potential benefits outweigh risks.
Breastfeeding
CAUTION: Azithromycin passes into breast milk. Short-term use is generally considered acceptable, but monitor infant for side effects.
Driving
CAUTION: May cause dizziness or fatigue in some patients. Assess your response to the medication before driving or operating machinery.
Kidney Function
CAUTION: No dose adjustment needed for mild to moderate impairment. Use with caution in severe kidney impairment.
Liver Function
CAUTION: Primarily metabolized by the liver. Use with caution in patients with impaired liver function. Regular monitoring of liver function may be advised.
Use in Children
CAUTION: The 500mg tablet is not suitable for young children. Pediatric formulations with appropriate dosing should be used based on weight.
Use in Older Patients
CAUTION: Generally well-tolerated in older adults. No specific dose adjustment needed based on age alone, but consider potential for drug interactions due to polypharmacy.
Allergy
CONTRAINDICATED: Do not use if allergic to azithromycin, erythromycin, or any macrolide or ketolide antibiotics.
Warnings & Precautions for Azithral Tablet
- QT Prolongation: May prolong the QT interval in some patients, potentially causing irregular heartbeat. Use with caution in patients with known QT prolongation, taking medications that prolong QT interval, or with electrolyte disturbances
- Myasthenia Gravis: May exacerbate symptoms in patients with myasthenia gravis
- Clostridioides difficile-Associated Diarrhea (CDAD): May occur during or after treatment
- Hepatotoxicity: Rare cases of hepatitis and hepatic necrosis reported
- Allergic Reactions: Serious allergic reactions can occur, even after previous uneventful use
- Superinfection: Prolonged use may result in fungal or bacterial superinfection
- Drug Resistance: Inappropriate use may lead to development of drug-resistant bacteria
- Diabetic Patients: May affect blood glucose levels; monitoring advised
- Infants: Use with caution in infants due to risk of pyloric stenosis
- Complete Full Course: Stopping early may lead to bacterial resistance and recurrence of infection
Drug Interactions with Azithral Tablet
Drug-Drug Interactions
- Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium: Reduce absorption of azithromycin; take at least 2 hours apart
- Warfarin and similar anticoagulants: May increase anticoagulant effects; monitor INR
- QT-prolonging medications (e.g., quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, sotalol): Increased risk of QT prolongation
- Digoxin: May increase digoxin levels
- Ergot alkaloids: Risk of ergotism; avoid concomitant use
- Nelfinavir: May increase azithromycin levels
- Cyclosporine: May increase cyclosporine levels
- Statins: Potential risk of myopathy with lovastatin or simvastatin
- P-glycoprotein substrates: May increase levels of these medications
Drug-Food Interactions
- General food: Overall minimal effect on absorption, but high-fat meals may reduce peak concentration
- Dairy products: May reduce absorption; consider separating doses
- Grapefruit juice: May increase drug concentration; avoid large quantities
Contraindications of Azithral Tablet
- Known hypersensitivity to azithromycin, erythromycin, or any macrolide or ketolide antibiotic
- History of cholestatic jaundice/hepatic dysfunction with prior azithromycin use
- Concurrent administration of ergot derivatives due to risk of ergotism
- Patients with known QT prolongation or taking other medications that significantly prolong the QT interval
- Severe hepatic impairment (use with caution and monitoring if necessary)
- Myasthenia gravis (relative contraindication; may exacerbate symptoms)
Safety Measures & FDA Pregnancy Category
- FDA Pregnancy Category: B (Animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus; however, there are no adequate studies in pregnant women)
- Not a controlled substance
- Requires prescription
- Consider cardiac monitoring in high-risk patients with risk factors for QT prolongation
- Complete blood count and liver function tests may be advised in cases of prolonged use
Diet & Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain good hydration throughout treatment course
- Complete the full course as prescribed, even if symptoms improve
- Take probiotics or yogurt (except within 2 hours of taking the medication) to help maintain gut flora balance
- Avoid excessive sun exposure as medication may increase sensitivity to sunlight
- Avoid alcohol during treatment course
- Follow good hygiene practices to prevent reinfection or spreading infection to others
- Get adequate rest to support your immune system
- Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or do not improve after completing treatment
Why Doctors Recommend This Medicine
Physicians prescribe Azithral when its benefits outweigh potential risks, particularly for:
- Infections caused by susceptible bacteria, especially respiratory and certain sexually transmitted infections
- Patients who benefit from short-course therapy (improved compliance)
- Patients with difficulty taking multiple daily doses
- Infections requiring good tissue penetration
- Patients with allergies to penicillins or cephalosporins
- Community-acquired pneumonia with appropriate pathogen coverage
- Streptococcal pharyngitis in penicillin-allergic patients
- Outpatient management of infections that would otherwise require longer treatment courses
Substitutes & Alternative Medicines
Other Macrolide Antibiotics
- Clarithromycin
- Erythromycin
- Roxithromycin
Other Antibiotic Classes (depending on infection and sensitivity)
- Amoxicillin (with or without clavulanate)
- Cephalosporins (e.g., Cefuroxime, Cefpodoxime)
- Fluoroquinolones (e.g., Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin)
- Doxycycline
- Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole
- Clindamycin
Brand Alternatives of Azithromycin 500mg
- Zithromax
- Zmax
- Azithroplus
- Azee
- Aziwin
- Aziwok
Storage Guidelines
- Store at room temperature between 68-77°F (20-25°C)
- Keep away from moisture, heat, and direct light
- Keep in original container with lid tightly closed
- Keep out of reach of children
- Do not store in bathroom medicine cabinets
- Do not freeze
- Discard properly after expiration date or when no longer needed
User Feedback & Patient Concerns
Common patient reports include:
- Effectiveness for respiratory infections with short treatment duration
- Gastrointestinal side effects are most commonly reported but generally mild
- Convenience of once-daily dosing
- Questions about taking with or without food
- Concerns about antibiotic resistance
- Effectiveness against sinusitis and bronchitis
- Management of taste disturbances
- Questions about probiotics during antibiotic treatment
Quick Tips for Azithral Tablet
- Complete the full prescribed course, even if you feel better
- Take at the same time each day for consistent effects
- Consider probiotics to reduce risk of digestive disturbances
- Stay well-hydrated during treatment
- Avoid antacids within 2 hours of taking Azithral
- Contact your doctor if you experience severe diarrhea
- Avoid sun exposure or use sunscreen as medication may increase sensitivity
- Keep track of when you start and finish your antibiotic course
- Report any unusual or severe side effects to your healthcare provider promptly
- Do not save or share leftover antibiotics
Fact Box
- Chemical Class: Azalide (subclass of macrolide antibiotics)
- Habit Forming: No
- Therapeutic Class: Antibiotic
- Action Class: Protein synthesis inhibitor
Useful Diagnostic Tests
Before or during Azithral treatment, your doctor may recommend:
- Culture and sensitivity testing (to identify the infecting organism and appropriate antibiotics)
- Complete blood count (in cases of severe infection)
- Liver function tests (especially with prolonged use or in patients with liver issues)
- ECG (in patients with cardiac risk factors)
- Renal function tests (in patients with kidney disease)
- Sputum analysis (for respiratory infections)
- C-reactive protein or ESR (to monitor inflammation)
More Information & References
For additional information about Azithral (Azithromycin), consult reliable sources such as:
- World Health Organization guidelines
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- American Academy of Family Physicians
- Your physician or pharmacist
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions about your medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here. In case of emergency, contact your local emergency services immediately.
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