Azifine 250 Tab

AZIFINE 250 TAB is an antibiotic medication manufactured by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (Majesta Care Div) used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.

• Name: AZIFINE 250 TAB
• Composition: Each tablet contains Azithromycin 250 mg. It belongs to the macrolide class of antibiotics.
• Uses:
  • Treatment of various bacterial infections, including:
    • Respiratory tract infections: pneumonia, bronchitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, and sinusitis.
    • Ear infections: otitis media.
    • Skin and soft tissue infections: abscesses, boils, cellulitis, and acne.
    • Sexually transmitted diseases: chlamydia, gonorrhea, urethritis, and cervicitis.
    • Typhoid fever.
  • In children, it can manage bacterial infections affecting the blood, brain, lungs, bones, joints, urinary tract, stomach, and intestines. It is ineffective against viral infections like the common cold or flu.
• Dosage and Administration:
  • Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not chew, crush, or break it.
  • It can be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
  • Take the medicine at evenly spaced intervals as prescribed by your doctor.
  • Complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve, to prevent infection recurrence and antibiotic resistance.
  • Avoid antacids containing aluminum or magnesium within 2 hours of taking AZIFINE 250 TAB.
  • The exact dosage and duration will be determined by your doctor based on the infection's severity and your response.
• Side Effects:
  • Common: Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain/cramps, diarrhea, flatulence, headache, dizziness, loss of appetite, taste disturbance, and skin rash. These are usually temporary.
  • Serious (Seek medical attention if experienced): Severe or prolonged diarrhea, signs of serious bowel inflammation, yellowing of skin/eyes (jaundice), dark urine (hepatic dysfunction), sudden wheeziness, difficulty breathing, swelling of eyelids/face/lips, severe itching, blurred vision, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or weakness.
• Precautions:
  • Do not use if allergic to azithromycin or other macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin).
  • Caution is advised for pregnant or breastfeeding women; consult a doctor.
  • Inform your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney problems, heart conditions (especially those causing QT prolongation or arrhythmias), myasthenia gravis, or diabetes.
  • Avoid alcohol consumption during treatment.
  • May affect the ability to drive or operate machinery; avoid these activities if you experience dizziness or other impairing side effects.
  • Not recommended for children weighing less than 45 kg.
  • Use with caution in elderly patients (above 65 years).
  • Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking due to potential interactions.
• Storage:
  • Store in its original packaging at room temperature, in a cool, dry place.
  • Protect from light and moisture.
  • Keep out of sight and reach of children and pets.
  • Do not use after the expiration date.

AZIFINE 250 TAB (Azithromycin 250mg) is an antibiotic manufactured by GLENMARK-MAJESTA CARE DIV. Below are frequently asked questions about this medicine.

1. What is AZIFINE 250 TAB used for?

AZIFINE 250 TAB is an antibiotic primarily used to treat various bacterial infections. These include respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, and sinusitis. It is also prescribed for skin infections like acne and cellulitis, ear infections (otitis media), and certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as Chlamydia and gonorrhea. Additionally, it may be used for typhoid fever.

2. How does AZIFINE 250 TAB work?

AZIFINE 250 TAB contains azithromycin, which belongs to a class of antibiotics called macrolides. It works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, a crucial process that bacteria need for their survival, growth, and multiplication. By preventing the production of these essential proteins, azithromycin effectively slows the growth of harmful bacteria or kills them, thereby clearing the infection. It is important to note that this medicine is effective only against bacterial infections and does not work for viral infections like the common cold or flu.

3. What is the usual dosage for AZIFINE 250 TAB?

The dosage of AZIFINE 250 TAB should be strictly followed as prescribed by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food, but for best results, it's often recommended to take it one hour before or two hours after a meal. It should be taken at evenly spaced intervals and at a fixed time each day. It is crucial to complete the entire course of treatment, even if you start feeling better, to prevent the infection from returning or becoming more difficult to treat.

4. What are the possible side effects of AZIFINE 250 TAB?

Common side effects of AZIFINE 250 TAB include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and indigestion. These effects are usually temporary and tend to resolve as the treatment progresses. Less common side effects can include flatulence, dizziness, headache, and skin rash. If any side effects persist or worsen, or if you experience severe symptoms like sudden wheeziness, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or lips, or severe and persistent watery/bloody diarrhoea, seek immediate medical attention.

5. Is AZIFINE 250 TAB safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

During pregnancy, AZIFINE 250 TAB should be used with caution and only if considered clearly necessary by your doctor, who will assess the benefits against potential risks, as there is limited safety data available.

For breastfeeding, AZIFINE 250 TAB is generally considered safe as azithromycin is present in breastmilk in low levels, posing minimal risk to the infant. However, it's advisable to consult your doctor before use and watch for symptoms like diarrhoea or rash in the breastfed baby.

6. Can AZIFINE 250 TAB be taken with other medications?

AZIFINE 250 TAB can interact with certain medications. It is important to inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.

• Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium should be taken at least one hour before or two hours after AZIFINE 250 TAB to avoid reduced effectiveness.
• It can increase the effects of blood thinners like warfarin and heparin, raising the risk of bleeding.
• Medications for heart conditions like digoxin may have increased levels in the body when taken with azithromycin.
• Certain migraine medications (e.g., ergotamine) should not be taken concurrently.
• Caution is advised with drugs that prolong the QT interval (e.g., some psychiatric or anti-arrhythmic drugs).

7. What precautions should be taken while using AZIFINE 250 TAB?

• Do not take AZIFINE 250 TAB if you are allergic to azithromycin or other macrolide antibiotics.
• Inform your doctor if you have a history of liver problems, jaundice, myasthenia gravis (a condition causing muscle weakness), heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmia), or electrolyte imbalances (low potassium or magnesium levels).
• Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight as this medicine can make your skin more sensitive to sunburn; wear protective clothing or use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when outdoors.
• Do not stop taking the medication abruptly, even if your symptoms improve, as this can lead to the infection returning and potentially becoming resistant.
• It is generally not recommended for children weighing less than 45 kg and should be used with caution in elderly patients over 65 years of age.
• While the interaction with alcohol is unknown, it's generally advisable to avoid alcohol consumption.
• AZIFINE 250 TAB may cause dizziness or fits as side effects, so avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel unwell or cannot be alert.

8. What happens if a dose of AZIFINE 250 TAB is missed?

If you miss a dose of AZIFINE 250 TAB, 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 the missed one.

9. How should AZIFINE 250 TAB be stored?

AZIFINE 250 TAB should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight, moisture, or heat. Keep the medicine out of sight and reach of children. Ensure it is stored below 30°C and always check the expiry date on the packaging before use.