Azax 500 Tablet – Powerful antibiotic for bacterial infections

Azax 500 Tablet

Prescription Required

NPPA Regulated

NPPA Regulated

Marketer

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd

SALT COMPOSITION

Azithromycin (500mg)

Storage

Store below 30°C

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Product Introduction

Azax 500 Tablet is a powerful macrolide antibiotic containing Azithromycin 500mg as its active ingredient. This prescription medication is widely recognized for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against numerous pathogens causing respiratory, skin, soft tissue, and genitourinary infections. Developed as an advancement over earlier macrolide antibiotics, Azithromycin offers the significant advantage of a longer half-life, allowing for once-daily dosing and shorter treatment durations compared to many other antibiotics.

Azithromycin was first approved in 1991 and has since become one of the world's most prescribed antibiotics due to its effectiveness, convenience, and relatively favorable safety profile. The unique pharmacokinetic properties of Azithromycin allow it to achieve high tissue concentrations while maintaining therapeutic levels in the body for extended periods - a feature that enables shorter treatment courses, typically 3-5 days, compared to 7-14 days with many other antibiotics.

Azax 500 Tablet works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, effectively stopping bacterial growth and reproduction. While classified as bacteriostatic (growth-inhibiting), it can be bactericidal (bacteria-killing) at higher concentrations. The medication is particularly valued for its excellent penetration into respiratory tissues and its effectiveness against atypical pathogens like Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae.

Healthcare providers often choose Azax 500 Tablet for its excellent compliance benefits, as shorter treatment courses and once-daily dosing help patients complete their full antibiotic regimen. This contributes to better clinical outcomes and may reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance development. The medication's versatility in treating various infection types across different body systems makes it an essential component of modern antibiotic therapy.

As with all antibiotics, Azax 500 Tablet should only be used under medical supervision and for bacterial infections, not viral illnesses like colds or flu. Proper use according to your doctor's instructions ensures maximum effectiveness while minimizing potential side effects and the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Key Composition & Ingredients

• Active Ingredient: Azithromycin 500mg (as Azithromycin dihydrate)
• Inactive Ingredients: May include pregelatinized starch, calcium phosphate, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, sodium lauryl sulfate, hypromellose, lactose, titanium dioxide, triacetin, and other pharmaceutical excipients

Uses of Azax Tablet

Azax 500 Tablet is prescribed for treating various bacterial infections including:

• Upper respiratory tract infections (pharyngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis)
• Lower respiratory tract infections (community-acquired pneumonia, bronchitis)
• Skin and soft tissue infections (cellulitis, impetigo)
• Uncomplicated genital infections (cervicitis, urethritis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis)
• Otitis media (middle ear infection)
• Traveler's diarrhea
• Typhoid fever
• Disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) in HIV-infected patients
• Prophylaxis and treatment of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) disease

Benefits of Azax Tablet

• Convenient Dosing Schedule: Once-daily dosing improves patient compliance
• Shorter Treatment Duration: Typically 3-5 days compared to 7-14 days for many other antibiotics
• Broad-Spectrum Activity: Effective against many gram-positive, gram-negative, and atypical pathogens
• High Tissue Penetration: Concentrates in infection sites, particularly respiratory tissues
• Post-Antibiotic Effect: Continues to work against bacteria even after the drug is no longer detectable in blood
• Fewer Gastrointestinal Side Effects: Generally better tolerated than some other macrolides
• Minimal Drug Interactions: Fewer interactions compared to other macrolides like erythromycin
• Food Flexibility: Can be taken with or without food (except antacids)

How Azax Tablet Works (Mechanism of Action)

Azithromycin in Azax 500 Tablet binds to the 50S subunit of bacterial ribosomes, inhibiting RNA-dependent protein synthesis. By preventing the transfer of peptides from tRNA to the growing peptide chain, it halts the production of essential bacterial proteins. While primarily bacteriostatic (stops bacterial growth), at higher concentrations it can exhibit bactericidal (bacteria-killing) activity.

Unlike many antibiotics that are rapidly eliminated from the body, azithromycin is taken up by phagocytes and delivered directly to infection sites. It concentrates in tissues, achieving levels up to 100 times higher than in plasma. This unique distribution allows for lower daily doses and shorter treatment durations.

Additionally, azithromycin has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, which may contribute to its clinical efficacy, particularly in respiratory infections where inflammation plays a significant role in disease pathology.

Dosage of Azax Tablet

Daily Dose

• Adult Respiratory, Skin, and Soft Tissue Infections:
  • 500mg once daily for 3 days
  • Alternative: 500mg as a single dose on day 1, followed by 250mg once daily on days 2-5
• Genital Infections:
  • 1000mg (two 500mg tablets) as a single one-time dose
• Community-Acquired Pneumonia:
  • 500mg once daily for 7-10 days
• Typhoid Fever:
  • 500mg once daily for 7 days
• MAC Prevention in HIV Patients:
  • 1200mg once weekly

Missed Dose

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

Overdose

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

How to Use Azax Tablet

Directions for Use

• Take Azax 500 Tablet exactly as prescribed by your doctor
• Can be taken with or without food, but taking with food may reduce stomach upset
• Take at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after antacids containing aluminum or magnesium
• Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water
• Complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve before completion
• For single-dose treatments, take the entire dose at once as directed
• Maintain at least a 2-hour interval between Azax and antacids if both are needed

Side Effects of Azax Tablet

Common Side Effects

• Diarrhea or loose stools
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue

Serious Side Effects (Require Immediate Medical Attention)

• Severe allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, difficulty breathing)
• Severe diarrhea (watery or bloody)
• Liver problems (yellowing of eyes/skin, dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach pain)
• Heart rhythm changes (QT prolongation causing fast/irregular heartbeat, fainting)
• Severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis)
• Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (may occur weeks after treatment)
• Myasthenia gravis worsening

How to Manage Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal issues: Take with food to reduce stomach upset
• Diarrhea: Stay hydrated; consult doctor if severe or contains blood
• Nausea: Eat small, frequent meals; avoid spicy or rich foods
• Headache: Rest, adequate hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers if approved by doctor
• Dizziness: Avoid sudden position changes; do not drive or operate machinery if affected

Safety Advice for Azax Tablet

Alcohol

Avoid alcohol during treatment as it may increase side effects and reduce the body's ability to fight infection.

Pregnancy

FDA Category B. Generally considered safe but should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and potential benefits outweigh risks. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Breastfeeding

Azithromycin passes into breast milk. While no adverse effects have been documented in breastfed infants, consult your doctor before use.

Driving

Usually does not affect ability to drive or operate machinery, but if you experience dizziness or fatigue, avoid these activities.

Kidney Function

Used with caution in patients with severe kidney impairment. Dose adjustment may be necessary.

Liver Function

Not recommended for patients with severe liver impairment. Regular monitoring of liver function may be necessary during treatment.

Use in Children

Safety and effectiveness in children below 6 months of age have not been established. Dosage adjustment based on weight is necessary for children.

Use in Older Patients

Generally, no dose adjustment is required, but used with caution due to increased risk of QT interval prolongation.

Allergies

Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to azithromycin, erythromycin, any macrolide or ketolide antibiotics.

Warnings & Precautions for Azax Tablet

• QT Prolongation Risk: May prolong the QT interval, especially in elderly patients or those with heart conditions
• Myasthenia Gravis: May exacerbate symptoms in patients with this condition
• Liver Disease: May cause hepatotoxicity; discontinue if signs of liver dysfunction occur
• Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea: May occur during or weeks after treatment
• Allergic Reactions: Discontinue immediately if allergic reaction occurs
• Superinfections: Prolonged use may result in fungal or bacterial superinfection
• Patients with Phenylketonuria: Some formulations may contain phenylalanine
• Diabetic Patients: May affect glucose monitoring results

Drug Interactions

Drug-Drug Interactions

• Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium: Reduce absorption of azithromycin
• Warfarin: May increase anticoagulant effects, increasing bleeding risk
• QT-prolonging medications: Increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias
• Nelfinavir: May increase azithromycin levels
• Ergot derivatives: Risk of ergotism
• Cyclosporine: May increase cyclosporine levels
• Digoxin: May increase digoxin levels, leading to toxicity
• Statins: Potential increased risk of myopathy
• Pimozide: Contraindicated due to risk of cardiac arrhythmias

Drug-Food Interactions

• Food slightly decreases the rate but not the extent of absorption
• Grapefruit juice may increase drug levels and should be avoided

Contraindications of Azax Tablet

• Known hypersensitivity to azithromycin, erythromycin, or any macrolide/ketolide antibiotic
• Severe liver disease
• History of cholestatic jaundice/hepatic dysfunction with prior azithromycin use
• Concurrent use with pimozide
• Patients with known QT prolongation, history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome

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

Diet & Lifestyle Advice

• Stay well-hydrated during treatment
• Complete the full course of antibiotic therapy, even if symptoms improve
• Probiotics may help minimize gastrointestinal side effects
• Maintain good hygiene to prevent spreading infection to others
• Rest adequately to support your immune system
• Avoid sharing personal items that may spread infection
• Inform your doctor about any persisting or worsening symptoms

Why Doctors Recommend This Medicine

Doctors recommend Azax 500 Tablet because of its:

• Broad-spectrum activity against common and atypical pathogens
• Convenient once-daily dosing improving patient compliance
• Shorter treatment duration (typically 3-5 days)
• Excellent tissue penetration, particularly in respiratory infections
• Favorable safety profile compared to some alternatives
• Effectiveness against antibiotic-resistant strains in some cases
• Reduced gastrointestinal side effects compared to some other macrolides

Substitutes & Alternative Medicines

• Same class (Macrolides): Erythromycin, Clarithromycin, Roxithromycin
• Different classes:
  • Fluoroquinolones (Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin)
  • Tetracyclines (Doxycycline, Minocycline)
  • Cephalosporins (Cefuroxime, Cefixime)
  • Penicillins (Amoxicillin, Amoxicillin-Clavulanate)

Selection depends on infection type, bacterial sensitivity, patient allergies, and other factors.

Storage Guidelines

• Store at room temperature between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C)
• Keep away from moisture, heat, and direct light
• Keep container tightly closed
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use after the expiration date
• Do not store in the bathroom

User Feedback & Patient Concerns

Common feedback and concerns include:

• Effectiveness in resolving symptoms quickly, particularly in respiratory infections
• Convenience of short-course therapy and once-daily dosing
• Occasional gastrointestinal side effects, though generally milder than some other antibiotics
• Concerns about antibiotic resistance with improper use
• Taste complaints (particularly with liquid formulations for children)
• Interactions with other medications, especially those affecting heart rhythm

Quick Tips for Azax Tablet

• Take with food if stomach upset occurs
• Maintain at least 2 hours between taking Azax and antacids
• Complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve
• Report any persistent or severe diarrhea to your doctor
• Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking
• Avoid excessive sun exposure as it may increase risk of skin reactions
• Stay hydrated throughout the treatment period
• Contact your doctor if symptoms worsen or do not improve after a few days

Fact Box

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

Useful Diagnostic Tests

• Culture and sensitivity testing before initiating therapy (when possible)
• Liver function tests (baseline and monitoring during treatment if necessary)
• ECG (for patients with cardiac risk factors or on other QT-prolonging medications)
• Complete blood count (if prolonged therapy or recurrent infections)
• Renal function tests (for patients with kidney impairment)

More Information & References

For more information, consult:

• American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines on antibiotic use
• World Health Organization (WHO) Essential Medicines List
• National Institutes of Health (NIH) MedlinePlus
• Your healthcare provider or pharmacist

Always consult your healthcare provider for advice specific to your medical condition and health history.

Disclaimer

THE CONTENTS OF THIS WEBSITE ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, OR PREVENTION OF A DISEASE OR MEDICAL CONDITION. PLEASE CONSULT A PHYSICIAN FOR THE TREATMENT AND/OR MANAGEMENT OF ANY DISEASE OR MEDICAL CONDITION WITHOUT DELAY.