Althrocin 500 Tablet

ALTHROCIN 500 TABLET

Althrocin 500 Tablet is an antibiotic manufactured by ALEMBIC PHARMACEUTICALS LTD.

• Composition: Each tablet contains 500 mg of Erythromycin (as Erythromycin Estolate). Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that works by inhibiting the production of essential proteins required by bacteria for their survival, thereby stopping bacterial growth and preventing the spread of infection.

• Uses: Althrocin 500 Tablet is prescribed to treat various bacterial infections in adults and children. These include:

  • Respiratory tract infections (e.g., throat infections, lung infections like pneumonia and bronchitis, sinus infections).
  • Ear infections (Otitis media).
  • Skin and soft tissue infections (e.g., acne, rosacea).
  • Intestinal infections.
  • Urinary tract infections.
  • Sexually transmitted infections (e.g., chlamydia infections, syphilis).
  • Other infections such as dental abscesses, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).

• Dosage and Administration: Althrocin 500 Tablet should be taken orally as prescribed by a doctor, typically 4-6 hours, 8 hours (three times a day), or 12 hours (twice a day). It is generally advised to take the tablet on an empty stomach, preferably one hour before or two hours after meals, for optimal absorption. The tablet should be swallowed whole and not chewed, crushed, or broken. It is crucial to complete the entire course of treatment, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the infection from returning and to avoid antibiotic resistance.

• Side Effects: Common side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, indigestion, and stomach discomfort. More serious side effects, though rare, can include allergic reactions (rashes, itching, swelling, shortness of breath), liver problems, prolonged QT interval, and severe diarrhea (watery or bloody).

• Precautions:

  • Inform your doctor about any history of allergies to erythromycin or other ingredients.
  • Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney disease; dose adjustments may be required.
  • Avoid or use with caution during pregnancy, especially in early stages, and consult a doctor if breastfeeding.
  • Inform your doctor if you have heart-related diseases (e.g., irregular heart rate, prolonged QT syndrome) or conditions like myasthenia gravis or electrolyte imbalances.
  • Limit alcohol consumption as it may interfere with absorption.
  • Do not take antacids 2 hours before or after Althrocin 500 Tablet.
  • Althrocin 500 Tablet is not recommended for children under 2 years of age without a doctor's advice.

• Storage: Store Althrocin 500 Tablet at a temperature below 30°C (86°F) in a cool and dry place, away from heat and direct light. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.

What is Althrocin 500 Tablet used for?

Althrocin 500 Tablet is an antibiotic primarily used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. These include infections of the throat, sinuses, chest (such as bronchitis and pneumonia), ears, mouth, teeth, eyes, skin, and soft tissues (like acne). It is also effective against certain stomach and intestinal infections, urinary tract infections, and sexually transmitted infections. Additionally, it may be prescribed to prevent infections following burns, operations, or dental procedures, and for conditions like scarlet fever.

How does Althrocin 500 Tablet work?

Althrocin 500 Tablet contains Erythromycin, which belongs to a class of antibiotics known as macrolides. It works by stopping the growth and multiplication of bacteria. Erythromycin achieves this by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit of bacterial cells, thereby inhibiting their protein synthesis, which is essential for their survival and spread. It is considered a bacteriostatic antibiotic, meaning it prevents further bacterial growth rather than directly killing them.

What is the usual dosage for Althrocin 500 Tablet?

The dosage of Althrocin 500 Tablet should always be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor, as it can vary based on the type and severity of the infection, and individual factors. It is usually taken orally, often one hour before or two hours after a meal, or with or after food to help prevent stomach upset. Common adult dosages include 333 mg every 8 hours or 500 mg every 12 hours, with a maximum dose typically not exceeding 4000 mg per day. For children, the dose is determined by body weight, commonly 30 to 50 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, divided into equal doses. It is crucial to complete the entire prescribed course of treatment, even if symptoms improve, to ensure the infection is fully cleared and to prevent antibiotic resistance.

What are the possible side effects of Althrocin 500 Tablet?

Like all medications, Althrocin 500 Tablet can cause side effects. Common side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort or pain, and headache. These are generally temporary and often subside as your body adjusts to the medicine. More serious but less common side effects can include allergic reactions (such as rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing), heart rhythm disorders (like QT prolongation or arrhythmia), and liver problems. If you experience severe or persistent side effects, or any signs of an allergic reaction, it is important to contact your doctor immediately.

Is Althrocin 500 Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

• Pregnancy: Althrocin 500 Tablet should generally be avoided during pregnancy, particularly in the early stages, as there is a potential for harm to the unborn baby, such as malformations. It should only be used if clearly necessary and the potential benefits outweigh the risks, as determined by your doctor. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• Breastfeeding: Components of Althrocin 500 Tablet can pass into breast milk. Therefore, it should be used with caution while breastfeeding. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks to the baby. If prescribed, close monitoring of the baby for issues such as irritability, diarrhea, fungal infections, or diaper rash is advisable. Using erythromycin during the first two weeks of the baby's life may increase the risk of pyloric stenosis in the infant.

Can Althrocin 500 Tablet be taken with other medications?

Althrocin 500 Tablet can interact with various other medications, which may alter their effects or increase the risk of side effects. It is crucial to inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, and dietary supplements you are currently taking. Some important interactions include certain blood pressure-lowering medicines (e.g., amlodipine, lisinopril), migraine medications (e.g., ergotamine, dihydroergotamine), drugs for heart conditions (e.g., digoxin, quinidine, disopyramide, or those that prolong the QT interval), certain psychiatric medications (e.g., pimozide, amisulpride), antacids (should be avoided 2 hours before or after Althrocin), anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, anti-fungal medicines, and other antibiotics (e.g., clindamycin, lincomycin, chloramphenicol, which may have antagonistic effects). Erythromycin can also affect how some cholesterol-lowering medicines (statins) and gout medications (colchicine) work.

What precautions should be taken while using Althrocin 500 Tablet?

• Complete the Course: Always finish the full course of treatment as prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms improve sooner. Stopping early can lead to the infection returning and potentially developing antibiotic resistance.
• Food Intake: Take the tablet with or after food if it causes stomach upset.
• Alcohol: Limit or avoid alcohol consumption, as it may interfere with the medication's absorption.
• Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor about any history of liver or kidney disease, heart conditions (especially irregular heart rate or QT prolongation), myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness), porphyria, or electrolyte imbalances (low potassium or magnesium levels).
• Diarrhea: If you experience severe or bloody diarrhea, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medication without consulting your doctor first.
• Driving/Operating Machinery: Be aware that Althrocin 500 Tablet may cause dizziness or seizures in some individuals. Ensure you are not affected before driving or operating machinery.
• Antacids: Avoid taking antacids within 2 hours before or after taking Althrocin 500 Tablet.
• Children: This medicine is generally not recommended for children under 2 years of age without a doctor's specific advice.

What happens if a dose of Althrocin 500 Tablet is missed?

If you miss a dose of Althrocin 500 Tablet, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How should Althrocin 500 Tablet be stored?

Althrocin 500 Tablet should be stored below 25°C (77°F) or 30°C (86°F) in a cool, dry place. Keep it away from direct heat and light, and out of the sight and reach of children and pets.