Arrow-Azithromycin general information
What is Arrow-Azithromycin used for?
Arrow-Azithromycin tablets 500mg (also known as Zithromax) are used to treat mild to moderate infections caused by certain susceptible types of bacteria in different areas of the body, including:
- sexually transmitted disease caused by chlamydia, including urethritis and cervicitis; and gonorrhoea
- upper respiratory tract infections caused by Streptococcus or Haemophilus, such as bronchitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, otitis medis (ear infection) and pharyngitis
- lower respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia, caused by Streptococcus or Haemophilus
- conjunctivitis (eye infection) caused by Chlamydia
- skin infections caused by Staphylococcus
Arrow-Azithromycin 500mg tablets are also used to prevent opportunistic infection (bacteria that lie dormant until activated by low immunity) with Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex (MAC) in people with HIV.
How does Arrow-Azithromycin work?
Arrow-Azithromycin tablets 500mg (also known as Zithromax) contain Azithromycin, an antibiotic belonging to the azalides group, which is a sub-class of the macrolides. Arrow-Azithromycin prevents the spread of bacterial infection by blocking bacterial protein synthesis so that the bacteria cannot produce proteins that are needed for its growth. This action stops the growth of the bacteria and relieves symptoms of the bacterial infection, which include inflammation and pain. Arrow-Azithromycin 500mg tablets do not work against viruses which use a different mechanism to grow and replicate.
What does Arrow-Azithromycin contain?
Arrow-Azithromycin 500mg tablets contain azithromycin monohydrate, an antibiotic belonging to the azalides group, which is a sub-class of the macrolides and is used to treat susceptible bacterial infections. They also contain calcium phosphate, pregelatinised maize starch, croscarmellose sodium, sodium lauryl sulphate, magnesium stearate, Opadry AMB White OY-B-28920.
Treating bacterial infection with Arrow-Azithromycin
Arrow-Azithromycin tablets 500mg contain Azithromycin, an antibiotic that is used to treat mild to moderate infections caused by certain susceptible types of bacteria in different areas of the body, including,
- sexually transmitted disease caused by Chlamydia, including urethritis and cervicitis; and gonorrhoea
- respiratory tract infections caused by Streptococcus or Haemophilus, such as bronchitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, otitis medis (ear infection), pharyngitis bronchitis and pneumonia
- conjunctivitis (eye infection) caused by Chlamydia
- skin infections caused by Staphylococcus.
Arrow-Azithromycin 500mg tablets do not work against viruses as they use a different mechanism to grow and replicate.
Treating opportunistic bacterial infection in HIV with Arrow-Azithromycin
Arrow-Azithromycin tablets 500mg contain Azithromycin, an antibiotic that is used to treat mild to moderate infections caused by certain susceptible types of bacteria in different areas of the body. People with HIV are susceptible to opportunistic infection by bacteria that lie dormant until they become activated when immunity is low. Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex (MAC) can cause infections in several organs and can lead to tuberculosis. Arrow-Azithromycin 500mg tablets, usually in conjunction with another antibiotic, are used to prevent opportunistic infection in people with HIV. Arrow-Azithromycin 500mg tablets do not work against HIV as viruses use a different mechanism to grow and replicate.
What are the side effects of Arrow-Azithromycin?
The most common reported side effects when taking Arrow-Azithromycin tablets 500mg are gastrointestinal tract symptoms which include: diarrhoea, nausea, cramping abdominal pain and flatulence. Vomiting headache and dizziness may also occur as well as oral thrush (white, furry, sore tongue and mouth). These side effects are generally mild. Other more serious side effects are less common and may include: dizziness, sleepiness, liver problems, taste changes, reductions in white blood cells, bruising, prolonged bleeding after injury, tiredness, numbness, feelings of aggression, nervousness, agitation, and anxiety.
When should Arrow-Azithromycin not be used?
You should not use Arrow-Azithromycin tablets 500mg if you:
- are allergic to azithromycin, erythromycin, any other macrolide or ketolide antibiotic or any of the ingredients in Arrow-Azithromycin 500mg tablets
- are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding
- have liver kidney or heart disease
- taking other medication that interacts with Arrow-Azithromycin, including, cyclosporin, used to suppress the immune system, digoxin for digoxin for heart failure, antacids for indigestion, anticoagulants such as coumarin, ergot derivatives such as ergotamine for migraines, zidovudine for HIV
What medications interact with Arrow-Azithromycin
Several medications interact with Arrow-Azithromycin tablets 500mg and should either not be taken while you are taking Arrow-Azithromycin or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:
- Drugs that decrease effectiveness of Arrow-Azithromycin: antacids for indigestion (should be taken1 or 2 hours after Arrow-Azithromycin; ergot derivatives such as ergotamine for migraines
- Drugs that are affected by Arrow-Azithromycin: the immunosuppressant cyclosporin, digoxin for heart failure; indinavir, saquinavir and ritonavir for HIV; anticoagulants such as coumarin
How should Arrow-Azithromycin be taken?
You should take your Arrow-Azithromycin tablets 500mg with a glass of water with food. The dose you take, how often and for how long depends on what you are being treated for and your doctors recommendations. For chlamydia or gonorrhoea infections you will take 2 tablets as a single dose. For other infections, you will take Arrow-Azithromycin tablets 500mg once daily or weekly for several days or weeks, depending on the infection. Always finish your course of tablets even if you feel better, if not, the infection may not clear up completely or your symptoms may return.
Azithromycin is administered as a single daily dose, taken on an empty stomach.
Adults
Sexually transmitted uncomplicated urethritis and cervicitis due to Chlamydia
trachomatis or susceptible Neisseria gonorrhoeae: 1 g as a single dose.
Conjunctivitis and trachoma due to Chlamydia trachomatis: 1 g either as a
single dose or once weekly for up to three weeks (see Clinical trials under
Pharmacodynamics).
Prevention of disseminated MAC disease in adults with HIV infection: 1,200 mg
taken as a single dose once weekly, either alone or in combination with rifabutin at
its recommended dosage.
Children
All indications (except the following): 10 mg/kg as a single dose on the first day,
followed by 5 mg/kg/day on days 2 to 5. For children weighing more than 45 kg, dose
as per adults.
Streptococcal pharyngitis and tonsillitis: 20 mg/kg once daily for 3 consecutive
days providing a total dose of 60 mg/kg over a 3-day treatment period. Do not
exceed a daily dose of 500 mg. For children weighing more than 45 kg, dose as per
adults.
Acute otitis media: total dose of 30 mg/kg, given as 30 mg/kg as a single dose or
10 mg/kg once daily for 3 days, or 10 mg/kg as a single dose on the first day
followed by 5 mg/kg/day on days 2 to 5. For children weighing more than 45 kg, dose
as per adults.
Conjunctivitis and trachoma due to Chlamydia trachomatis in children aged 12
months or older: 20 mg/kg either as a single dose or once weekly for up to three
weeks.
Prevention of disseminated MAC disease in children aged more than 12 years
old with HIV infection: 1,200 mg taken as a single dose once weekly, either alone
How long should you take Arrow-Azithromycin?
You should complete the course of Arrow-Azithromycin tablets 500mg as prescribed by your doctor, which may be once daily or weekly for several days or weeks, depending on the infection. Always finish your course of tablets even if you feel better, if not, the infection may not clear up completely or your symptoms may return.
Missed dose of Arrow-Azithromycin
If you miss a dose of Arrow-Azithromycin tablets 500mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.
How should Arrow-Azithromycin be stored?
You should keep your Arrow-Azithromycin tablets 500mg in their blister packs until use and store below 25°C in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight.