Product description
Zithromax tablets are an antibiotic from the macrolide group. They are used to treat various diseases caused by bacteria sensitive to the active ingredient of the Zithromax.
The active substance of the drug Zithromax Azithromycin acts bacteriostatically, slowing down bacteria's growth and reproduction and suppressing protein synthesis. The drug is active against most gram-positive microorganisms, except for those that are resistant to erythromycin. Quick action on the inflammation focus, a short course of administration, and a low price are 3 factors that distinguish the remedy from other antibiotics.
Zithromax indications for use
The course of a bacteriostatic antibiotic is indicated after determining the sensitivity of pathogens to the drug. The Zithromax is prescribed for infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract and upper respiratory tract - inflammation of the paranasal sinuses (sinusitis), tonsils (chronic tonsillitis), middle ear cavity (otitis media), sore throat, scarlet fever. The medication is used to treat infectious diseases of the lower respiratory system - inflammation of the bronchi (bronchitis), lungs (atypical and bacterial pneumonia).
Other indications for the use of the drug:
- borreliosis caused by the causative agent of the disease - Borrelia spirochete;
- skin infections (skin diseases, impetigo (pustular skin lesions), erysipelas, secondarily infected dermatoses);
- diseases of the stomach and duodenum;
- infections of the genitourinary systems (inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis), urethra (non-gonorrheal, and gonorrheal urethritis).
Contraindications Zithromax
When certain pathological processes or physiological conditions of the human body are identified, taking Zithromax tablets is contraindicated:
- Hypersensitivity, individual intolerance to the main active ingredient or excipients of the drug.
- Severe violation of the functional state of the liver.
- Severe renal failure.
- The patient's age is up to 12 years.
- Simultaneous administration of the drug ergotanine or dihydroergotanine.
With caution, Zithromax tablets are used in renal or hepatic insufficiency of moderate severity, pathological conditions of the heart, accompanied by an extension of the QT interval on the electrocardiogram, as well as when taken together with some other medicines (warfarin, digoxin, antiarrhythmic drugs). Before prescribing medications, the doctor must make sure that there are no contraindications.
Method of administration and dosage
Oral administration is indicated 60 minutes before meals or 120 minutes after. The dosage of Azithromycin, according to the instructions, is taken once a day. For the first stage of Lyme disease treatment, 1 g is prescribed on the first day, from 2 to 5 days - 0.5 g each. How to take Zithromax for acute infections of the urogenital tract: oral administration of 2 tablets of 0.5 g each is indicated. For the treatment of respiratory infections pathways, soft tissues, and skin, Zithromax for adults is prescribed according to the instructions in a dosage of 0.5 g, then 0.25 g - with a 5-day course. Pneumonia is treated with Zithromax injections for no more than 10 days.
Special instructions
According to the instructions, the medication's missed dose should be taken in the near future, and the subsequent ones - at intervals of 24 hours. If it is necessary to drive road vehicles, extreme caution must be observed, as in the case of kidney and liver disorders, cardiac arrhythmias (ventricular arrhythmias are possible). In some patients, hypersensitivity reactions may persist even after drug with drawal. In such situations, the patient will need specific therapy under the supervision of a physician.
During pregnancy and lactation
The instructions indicate that if the intended benefit to a pregnant woman is higher than the potential risk to the fetus, then the drug's use is justified. In all other situations, it is better not to risk the health of the future baby. If it is necessary to use the drug Zithromax during lactation, breastfeeding should be abandoned. The components contained in the medication are transported to the child with breast milk.
Interaction with drugs
After taking antacids - drugs that protect the gastric mucosa from bile and hydrochloric acid, the medicine is taken 2 hours later. A strong antibiotic Zithromax is incompatible with heparin, which is contained in drugs for thrombosis. Increases the absorption and effect of ergot alkaloids, dihydroergotamine (a substance with a vasodilating effect). Macrolides affect the metabolism of cyclosporin, increase the concentration of digoxin, which should be taken into account when taking digoxin and Azithromycin. After the use of coumarin anticoagulants, the anticoagulant effect is enhanced.
Zithromax with alcohol
It is forbidden to use an antibacterial drug with alcoholic beverages. The strict ban is due to the property of alcohol to increase both the effect of the drug on the body and increase the likelihood of adverse reactions. At the same time taking Azithromycin with alcohol, the kidneys and liver have a double load, because through them, the body gets rid of ethanol and drug components. The situation threatens the development of renal failure and the death of liver cells.
Side effects
The drug belongs to potent antibacterial agents, so unpleasant side effects may occur during administration. The instructions indicate that an allergic reaction is manifested by dermatological problems (rash, itching), bronchospasm, Quincke's edema and photosensitization - a state of increased sensitivity of the body to the action of visible or ultraviolet radiation. The consequences of taking the Zithromax can negatively affect the functioning of various body systems:
- gastrointestinal tract (constipation, severe nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, gastritis, decreased appetite, cholestatic jaundice, pseudomembranous colitis);
- reproductive system (vaginal candidiasis);
- urinary (nephritis);
- cardiovascular (chest pain, heart palpitations - tachycardia, headache);
- nervous (drowsiness, neurosis, hyperkinesia);
- visual (conjunctivitis).
Benefits
The antibiotic Zithromax has the most pronounced storage capacity among all antibacterial drugs. With microbial inflammation, active substances are deposited in the organs of the reproductive system, the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract and lungs, the prostate gland and the urethra.
Macrolides persistently accumulate in the cytoplasm and phagolysosomes - the habitat of chlamydia, mycoplasma and legionella. Namely, these microorganisms have recently increasingly become the cause of urethritis and prostatitis.
The great advantage of Azithromycin is its ability to suppress the multiplication of atypical and intracellular pathogens, which are insensitive to most antibiotics. Also, the drug is widely used in the treatment of sexually transmitted infections.
Among all macrolides, Zithromax has the highest penetration into leukocytes, which increases anti-infective protection. Anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and muco-regulating drugs have been proven clinically and experimentally.
Due to its unique ability to accumulate in tissues, Zithromax in short courses is most often prescribed for sexually transmitted infections.