| Azithromycin Pharmacology |
| Azithromycin |
| About Azithromycin |
| An Azalide, macrolide antibiotic. |
| Mechanism of Action of Azithromycin |
| Azithromycin is a member of macrolide antibiotic. It binds to the 50S sub unit of bacterial ribosome and inhibits translocation.ie: they: interfere with the transfer of the newly formed peptide chain from the A site to the P site and fails to expose the A site .So that A site is unable to bind with the next aminoacyl t RNA complex. This leads to premature termination of amino acid chain and there by inhibits protein synthesis.Azithromycin is active against both gram positive and gram negative aerobic and anaerobic bacteria |
| Pharmacokinets of Azithromycin |
| Absorption: Azithromycin is completely absorbed after oral administration. Distribution: It is widely distributed in the body .Metabolism: It is not metabolized in the body. Excretion: It is primarily excreted through bile and a very small amount excreted through urine. |
| Onset of Action for Azithromycin |
| 1-2 hours. |
| Duration of Action for Azithromycin |
| N/A |
| Half Life of Azithromycin |
| 68 hour |
| Side Effects of Azithromycin |
| 1. Nausea 2.Vomiting 3.Diarrhoea 4.Epigastric pain 5.Angioedema 6.Rash 7.Urticaria 8.Headache 9.Dizziness 10.Fever 11.Cholestatic jaundice 12.Hearing disturbances 13.Vertigo |
| Contra-indications of Azithromycin |
| 1.Hypersensitivity to Azithromycin and other macrolide |
| Special Precautions while taking Azithromycin |
| 1.Renal impairment 2.Hepatic dysfunction |
| Pregnancy Related Information |
| Use with caution. |
| Old Age Related Information |
| Use with caution. |
| Breast Feeding Related Information |
| Use with caution. |
| Children Related Information |
| Use with caution |
| Indications for Azithromycin |
| 1.Pneumonia 2.Tonsilitis 3.Pharyngitis 4.Sinusitis 5.Urethritis 6.Cervicitis 7.SABE 8.Trachoma 9.Prevention of disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex infection 10.Otitis media 11.Chancroid 12..Acne 13.Urogenital infection 14.Skin and soft tissue infections 15.Toxoplasmosis |
| Interactions for Azithromycin |
| Aluminium & Magnesium containing Antacids: Decrease peak serum levels. Theophylline: Serum concentration of Theophylline increased. Warfarin: Anticoagulant effects enhanced. Digoxin & Cyclosporine: Increase in their serum concentration. Carbamazepine: Toxicity occurs which may require hospitalization. Triazolam: Increases serum levels of Triazolam leading to toxicity. Ergot Alkaloids: Acute ergotism manifested as peripheral ischaemia. Food: Absorption reduced by as much as 52% (should be taken 1 hr before or 2 hrs after meal). |
| Typical Dosage for Azithromycin |
| Adult: 500 mg once daily for 1 day followed by 250 mg once daily for 4 days. For the treatment of urethritis and cervicitis: 1 – 2 g as a single dose Prophylaxis of MAC: 1200 mg once weekly Chancroid: 1000 mg as a single dose Children: 10 mg / kg body weight once daily on 1 day followed by 5 mg / kg body weight once daily for 4 days. |
| Schedule of Azithromycin |
| H |
| Storage Requirements for Azithromycin |
| Store in a cool dark place. Keep away from heat and moisture. |
| Effects of Missed Dosage of Azithromycin |
| Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time to take the next dose then skip the missed dose. |
| Effects of Overdose of Azithromycin |
| Give supportive measures and symptomatic treatment |