Azithromycin helps with infectious and inflammatory diseases. It is a semisynthetic antibiotic that is a subclass of azalides, which differs slightly in structure from classical macrolides.
First obtained in 1980 by the pharmaceutical company Pliva. In Eastern Europe, the drug was licensed and sold under the name Sumamed, and in Western - Supraks.
Composition, form of release, packing
Available in capsules of 3 or 6 pcs. One capsule contains 500 mg of azithromycin( active substance).Capsules have a hard gelatinous form and white color. Their contents are white powder, sometimes with a yellowish tinge.
In addition to the active ingredient in the composition there are microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, magnesium stearate, sodium lauryl sulfate, lactose. The sheath itself is made of titanium dioxide and gelling agents.
Manufacturer
Azithromycin is manufactured in Russia by LLC "Pharmaceuticals production", "MOSHIMFARMPREPARATY".
Indications for use
The use of capsules is advisable for infectious diseases of the respiratory system, skin and soft tissues, as well as the reproductive and genitourinary system. A drug is prescribed for bacterial involvement of ENT organs or for dermatological problems of bacterial nature.
Can be prescribed for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases caused by specific types of bacteria. It is advisable to appoint only in a situation where the disease was caused by susceptible azithromycin microorganisms:
- angina,
- sinusitis,
- tonsillitis,
- scarlet fever,
- flu and cold,
- erysipelas,
- impetigo,
- urethritis,
- Lyme disease and others.
Contraindications
The drug is contraindicated in the lactation period and for children under 12 years in capsule form or persons with a weight less than 45 kg. You can not prescribe Azithromycin for patients who have an increased level of sensitivity to macrolits, with renal or hepatic insufficiency.
More on how to take Azithromycin in our video:
Mechanism of Action
A semi-synthetic antibiotic acts on extracellular pathogens. It is active against mycoplasmas, ureaplasmas, endobacteria and some other microorganisms. The mechanism of antimicrobial action is associated with a violation of the structure of the protein in bacterial cells. Because of this, their growth and reproduction slow down.
The drug is well absorbed, acid resistant. Bioavailability after a single dose of 500 mg is slightly less than 40%.The maximum concentration is achieved in 2.5 hours and is 0.4 mg / l. In tissues, the concentration is significantly greater than in the serum of the biological fluid.
Concentration in foci of infection is higher by 24-34% than in healthy cells. It depends on the degree of the inflammatory process. The focus remains in the correct concentration for 5-7 days after the last dose.
Instruction for use
You can take medicine for treatment only once a day. This is one of its main advantages. It is prescribed an hour before meals or 2 after eating.
Without compliance with this rule, the level of absorption is slowed down, since undigested food prevents the complete absorption of the active substance.
With infections on the first day, 500 mg is prescribed for a single dose. From 2 to 5 it is enough to drink one tablet of the drug for 250 mg. If the treatment schedule is not more than three days, then capsules of 500 mg are usually prescribed. With ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, an antibiotic is prescribed as part of complex therapy in a single dose of 1000 mg. Children weighing more than 45 kg and age more than 12 years, the drug is prescribed by the same rules as adults.
Side effects of
The action of the medicine can negatively affect the operation of different systems. On the cardiovascular side, there is increased heart rate, chest pain, headaches and drowsiness. From the digestive tract is observed flatulence, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting. Children can develop candidiasis of the oral cavity with intravenous administration. On the part of the genitourinary system, candidiasis and nephritis may appear.
Allergic reactions are presented:
- rash,
- with Quinck edema,
- bronchospasm,
- by photosensitization.
Instructions for use:
Overdose
The extreme effects are vomiting, temporary hearing loss and diarrhea. Treatment in all cases is symptomatic.
Special instructions
Women in pregnancy are prescribed exclusively for acute need, when the benefits of treatment are higher than the risks to the fetus. Azithromycin penetrates the placenta. When used during lactation, the doctor will offer to stop breastfeeding until the medicine has completely expired.
For children under 12 years of age, a medicine in the form of capsules is prohibited. In case of taking an antibiotic, the missed pill should be taken as soon as possible. All other doses are taken with an interval of 24 hours.
Drug Interaction
With the simultaneous administration of aluminum and magnesium-containing antacids, the process of absorption of azithromycin is slowed down. The component itself slows the excretion of indirect anticoagulants. Weakening the effectiveness of treatment can cause lincosamines, indirect anticoagulants. Complete pharmaceutical incompatibility is noted with Heparin.
Reviews about the drug
Many note that this is one of the best antibiotics. He has a selective effect, accumulates in the hearth of inflammation. Due to this, the treatment time is shorter. Assign it for bronchitis and pneumonia, other serious bacterial infections. The domestic market is more often sold under the name Sumamed, but Azithromycin itself costs five times cheaper.
The drawbacks are that it kills a useful microflora, like any other antibiotics. Therefore, after treatment requires the restoration of normal microflora with the help of additional medications.
Price for Azithromycin
The price is less for Azithromycin in 250 mg capsules. In this case, you can buy at a price of 39 rubles. Depending on the manufacturer can reach up to 120 rubles. Pills with active substance azithromycin in 500 mg have a cost of 80 to 240 rubles.
Analogues
Azithromycin monohydrate, Vero-Azithromycin.
Cheap analogs
Azithromycin-AKOS, Azithromycin, Azithromycin dihydrate
Synonyms
- Azivok,
- Azitral,
- Zi-factor,
- Sumazid,
- Sumamed,
- Sumamecin,
- Chemomycin,
- EcoMed.
Analogues to the drug Azithromycin
Conditions for dispensing from pharmacies
Sold only by prescription.
Storage conditions and shelf life
The medicine package should be stored in a dry and dark place at a temperature of 25 degrees. Shelf life of this antibiotic is 3 years.