This medication is also known under the following names in the USA and Canada:
Brand names: Zithromax, Zmax
Generic name: Azithromycin
Brand Medication For Sale - Zithromax and Zmax (Azithromycin)
Product name | Dosage / Strength | |
---|---|---|
Zithromax | 250 mg | See Prices |
Zithromax Z Pack | 250 mg | See Prices |
Zithromax | 600 mg | See Prices |
Zithromax Vials | 500 mg / 5 ml | See Prices |
Zmax SR Suspension | 2 g | See Prices |
Generic Medication For Sale - Azithromycin
Product name | Dosage / Strength | |
---|---|---|
Azithromycin | 250 mg | See Prices |
How to order
You can order online from YouDrugstore. We are an online pharmacy based out of Canada. That means when you order from us, you pay the same price that most Canadians pay. All you have to do is register on our website and fill in all of the required information. Then send us your prescription so that our team of licensed pharmacy technicians and physicians can review your order once we have received all of the necessary information. When you order this medicine from YouDrugstore, enjoy our low cost in shipping. We even offer free shipping on any order over $100. Order from YouDrugstore today.
Information About Zithromax and/or Equivalents
Zithromax contains Azithromycin which is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, especially respiratory tract infections (tonsillitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis etc.), skin infections, ear infections and also sexually transmitted infection (STIs). The drug was initially approved by the FDA in 1991. The drug is now being produced and marketed by Pfizer Inc. In order to fight the developing resistance to antibiotics, it is recommended that the drug be used only when there is a strong suspicion of bacterial infection.
Active ingredient
The active ingredient of Zithromax is Azithromycin, which is an azalide, a subcategory of macrolide antibiotics. Although Azithromycin is a derivative of Erythromycin, it differs from erythromycin chemically.
The drug works by binding to the 23S rRNA of the 50S ribosomal subunit of the microorganisms, thereby inhibiting the synthesis of proteins and interfering with the growth of pathogenic organisms by preventing the assembly of 50S ribosomal subunit1. Its mechanism of action is similar to that of other azalide antibiotics. However, it also gives an extended cover against gram positive and gram negative organisms as well as atypical pathogens2.
Dosage information
Azithromycin comes in the form of packs, each containing 30 film-coated tablets. Its dosage information is given below.
Adult doses
The recommended adult dose for Azithromycin for community acquired pneumonia, tonsillitis or pharyngitis and for skin infections is 500mg (2 tablets to be taken as a single dose) on day 1 followed by 250mg per day (1 tablet daily) from day 2 to 5.
- For acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, the adult dose is 500mg (2 tablets to be taken as a single dose) for 3 days or 500mg per day on day 1 and 250mg per day from day 2 to day 5.
- For acute bacterial sinusitis, the adult dose is 500mg per day (2 tablets to be taken as a single dose).
- For genital ulcers and non-gonococcal urethritis and cervicitis, the dose is one single 1 gram dose.
- For gonococcal urethritis and cervicitis, the dose is one single 2 grams dose.
Pediatric doses
The pediatric dose of Azithromycin for infections such as otitis media and acute bacterial sinusitis is 30mg per kg body weight as a single dose or 10mg per kg daily for 3 days.
- For community acquired pneumonia, the pediatric dose is 10mg per kg as a single dose on day 1 followed by 5 mg per kg once daily from day 2 to day 5.
- For pharyngitis or tonsillitis, the recommended dose is 12 mg per kg once daily for 5 days.
Conditions treated by Azithromycin
Azithromycin is indicated for use in following infections
In adults
- Pharyngitis/tonsillitis
- Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis
- Community acquired pneumonia
- Acute bacterial sinusitis
- Uncomplicated skin infections
- Urethritis and cervicitis
- Genital ulcer disease in men
In children
- Acute otitis media (> 6 months of age)
- Community acquired pneumonia (> 6 months of age)
- Pharyngitis/tonsillitis (> 2 years of age)
Side effects
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Severe allergic reactions including angioedema, anaphylaxis etc.
- Skin reactions including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
- Hepatic dysfunction
- Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis (IHPS)
- QT prolongation and Torsades de Pointes
- Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea
Warnings and Precautions
The following precautionary measures should be exercised with the use of Azithromycin.
Contraindications
Azithromycin is contraindicated for use in patients with:
- Known hypersensitivity to azithromycin, erythromycin, any macrolide or any ketolide
- History of cholestatic jaundice or hepatic dysfunction associated with azithromycin use
Precautions
- Azithromycin should not be used for the treatment of community acquired pneumonia in patients who have been rendered inappropriate for oral therapy.
- Owing to the hepatotoxicity associated with Azithromycin use, discontinue the drug immediately if signs and symptoms of hepatitis develop.
- Azithromycin is known to cause Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis (IHPS) in neonates. Parents should be counseled to contact the doctor immediately if the neonate develops vomiting or irritability associated with feeding.
- Azithromycin should be administered cautiously in patients with myasthenia gravis as it can exacerbate the muscle weakness.
- Azithromycin is not approved for use in children under the age of 6 months.
- Elderly people are more susceptible to develop Torsades de pointes arrhythmias associated with Azithromycin use.
- Azithromycin is a category B pregnancy drug. It should be prescribed to pregnant women only if its use is imperative.
- Azithromycin is known to be excreted in breast milk in small amounts. Therefore, it should be given to nursing mothers with extreme caution.
Drug interactions
- Nelfinavir
- Warfarin
Frequently Asked Questions About Azithromycin
What is it?
Azithromycin 250 is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat a range of upper respiratory tract infections, community-acquired pneumonia, skin infections, middle ear infection and sexually transmitted infections.
How does it work?
Azithromycin contains Azithromycin which is a macrolide. It works by binding to the 23S rRNA of the 50S ribosomal subunit of the microorganisms, thereby inhibiting the synthesis of proteins and interfering with the growth of pathogenic organisms by preventing the assembly of 50S ribosomal subunit.
How to store?
Always store Azithromycin at room temperature between 15o C to 30o C, away from direct light, heat and moisture. Keep the drug out of reach of children.
Is there any alternative generic brand to Azithromycin?
Yes, there is an alternative generic brand to called Azithromycin. It should be used exactly as prescribed by the healthcare provider.
How and when to take it?
The recommended dose of Azithromycin ranges between 250mg per day to 2 grams per day in adults, depending on the type of infection. In children, the dose ranges from 10mg per kg to 30 mg per kg depending on the type of infection it is being used to treat.
Why do doctors prescribe it?
Azithromycin is used commonly for the treatment of acute otitis media in children, pharyngitis/tonsillitis in adults and children, and community acquired pneumonia in adults and children. In adults, it is also used for the treatment of acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, acute bacterial sinusitis, uncomplicated skin infections, urethritis and cervicitis and genital ulcer disease in men.
What if I overdose?
If you accidentally overdose on Azithromycin, report to the nearest medical facility, call your healthcare provider or call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of Azithromycin, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if the time of next dose is impending, do not take the missed dose to avoid over dosage of the drug. Call your doctor if you are not sure about the missed dose schedule.