Zaha Ointment-5 Gm

ZAHA OINTMENT-5 GM

Name: Zaha Eye Ointment (Brand Name), Azithromycin Ophthalmic Ointment (Common Name)

Composition: ZAHA OINTMENT-5 GM contains Azithromycin 1% w/w as the active ingredient. Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic.

Uses: This medicine is primarily used to treat bacterial eye infections. It is prescribed for conditions such as:

• Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Trachoma conjunctivitis, an eye infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis
• Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid margins caused by bacteria)

ZAHA Ointment works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacterial cells, thereby preventing their growth and spread, and helping to clear the infection. It is not effective against viral eye infections.

Dosage and Administration: Always use ZAHA Ointment exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is for ophthalmic (eye) use only.

• Wash hands thoroughly before and after application.
• Gently pull down the lower eyelid to form a pocket.
• Squeeze the ointment into the pocket of the lower eyelid without touching the tip of the tube to the eye or eyelid.
• Close your eyes for 1-2 minutes to allow the medicine to spread.
• Do not skip doses and complete the entire course of treatment, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the infection from returning or worsening.

Side Effects: Common side effects may include:

• Burning or stinging sensation in the eyes
• Redness
• Temporary blurred vision
• Eye discomfort or irritation
• Conjunctival hyperaemia (acute inflammation of the eye)
• Itching in the eyes Most of these side effects are usually temporary and resolve over time. Consult your doctor if they persist or worsen.

Precautions:

• Allergies: Do not use if you are allergic to azithromycin, any other macrolide antibiotic, medium-chain triglycerides, or any component of the ointment.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding. It is generally considered safe if prescribed by a doctor.
• Driving and Machinery: ZAHA Ointment may cause temporary blurred vision. Wait until your vision returns to normal before driving or operating machinery.
• Contact Lenses: Avoid wearing contact lenses during treatment or while experiencing an active bacterial eye infection.
• Other Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have vision issues, severe eye pain, glaucoma, eye damage, or have had eye surgery.

Storage:

• Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• Keep at room temperature, ideally between 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC.
• Keep out of sight and reach of children.

What is ZAHA OINTMENT-5 GM used for?

ZAHA OINTMENT-5 GM is an antibiotic medicine primarily used to treat bacterial eye infections, such as bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) and trachoma conjunctivitis. It may also be used for blepharitis.

How does ZAHA OINTMENT-5 GM work?

This ointment contains Azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic. It works by preventing bacteria from synthesizing essential proteins required for their growth and survival. By blocking protein formation, it stops the bacteria from multiplying and helps clear the infection.

What is the usual dosage for ZAHA OINTMENT-5 GM?

ZAHA OINTMENT-5 GM should be used externally in the eyes, exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is important to apply it regularly at evenly spaced intervals and to complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve.

What are the possible side effects of ZAHA OINTMENT-5 GM?

Common side effects can include temporary eye irritation, a burning or stinging sensation upon application, redness of the eye, blurred vision, eye discharge, eye pain, and itching. Most of these side effects are usually temporary and resolve on their own.

Is ZAHA OINTMENT-5 GM safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

During pregnancy, ZAHA OINTMENT-5 GM is generally considered safe if its use is clearly necessary. While animal studies show low or no adverse effects, human studies are limited. For breastfeeding, it is also considered safe, as human studies suggest the drug does not pass into breast milk in significant amounts and is not harmful to the baby. If applied to the breast or nipple area, it should be wiped off thoroughly before nursing. Always consult your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Can ZAHA OINTMENT-5 GM be taken with other medications?

Before using ZAHA OINTMENT-5 GM, inform your doctor about all prescription, non-prescription, and herbal medicines you are taking. Azithromycin, the active ingredient, can potentially interact with certain drugs that prolong the QT interval, such as astemizole, disopyramide, ebastine, and lovastatin.

What precautions should be taken while using ZAHA OINTMENT-5 GM?

This ointment is for external ophthalmic use only. Avoid touching the tip of the tube to your eye or eyelid to prevent contamination. You should not wear contact lenses while you have an eye infection and are using this medicine. It may cause temporary blurred vision, so avoid driving or operating machinery until your vision clears. It is crucial to complete the entire course of treatment to prevent the infection from returning and to avoid antibiotic resistance. ZAHA OINTMENT-5 GM is not recommended for children under 1 year of age. Inform your doctor if you have allergies to azithromycin or other macrolide antibiotics, or if you have liver or kidney disease.

What happens if a dose of ZAHA OINTMENT-5 GM is missed?

Try not to skip a dose of ZAHA OINTMENT-5 GM. If you miss a dose, do not apply extra medicine to make up for it; simply continue with your next scheduled dose.

How should ZAHA OINTMENT-5 GM be stored?

ZAHA OINTMENT-5 GM should be stored in a cool, dry place, typically below 30°C (some sources specify below 25°C), and protected from direct sunlight. Keep the ointment out of the sight and reach of children.