Zithrox 200 Suspensionn

ZITHROX 200 SUSPENSIONN by MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD.

• Name:

  • Brand Name: Zithrox 200 Suspension, Zithrox 200 mg/5 ml Suspension
  • Common Name: Azithromycin Oral Suspension

• Composition:

  • Each 5ml of Zithrox 200 Suspension contains 200 mg of Azithromycin. Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic belonging to the azalide group.

• Uses: Zithrox 200 Suspension is prescribed for various bacterial infections, including:

  • Upper and lower respiratory tract infections (e.g., sinusitis, pharyngitis/tonsillitis, bronchitis, pneumonia).
  • Middle ear infections (otitis media).
  • Skin and soft tissue infections.
  • Sexually transmitted diseases caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (non-gonococcal urethritis and cervicitis).
  • Typhoid fever.

• Dosage and Administration: Zithrox 200 Suspension can be taken with or without food.

  • Adults:
    • Typically, 500 mg once daily for 3 days.
    • Alternatively, 500 mg on day 1, followed by 250 mg once daily on days 2-5.
    • For uncomplicated Chlamydia trachomatis infections, a single 1 gram oral dose may be given.
  • Children (over 6 months): 10 mg/kg body weight once daily for 3 days.
  • Reconstitution: For dry powder suspensions, shake the bottle thoroughly, then add boiled and cooled water up to the watermark on the label and mix well.

• Side Effects:

  • Common: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or cramps, flatulence, diarrhea, headaches, and skin rashes.
  • Serious (rare): Severe allergic reactions (including angioedema and anaphylaxis), dermatologic reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome), liver dysfunction, and cardiac arrhythmias (especially in elderly patients with pre-existing conditions).

• Precautions:

  • Avoid in patients with hypersensitivity to azithromycin or any macrolide antibiotic.
  • Use with caution in patients with significant hepatic disease or severe kidney disease.
  • Do not co-administer with ergot derivatives due to the theoretical possibility of ergotism.
  • Antacids should be taken at least one hour before or two hours after Zithrox to avoid reduced absorption.
  • Monitor prothrombin time when co-administered with warfarin.
  • Care should be taken when administering to nursing mothers.

• Storage: Store in a dry place below 25°C, away from heat and light, and out of reach of children.

Zithrox 200 Suspension is an antibiotic widely used to treat various bacterial infections. Below are some frequently asked questions and their concise, accurate answers regarding this medication.

What is Zithrox 200 Suspension used for?

Zithrox 200 Suspension is primarily used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. These include infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract (such as bronchitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis/tonsillitis, and pneumonia), middle ear (otitis media), skin and soft tissues, and the urinary tract. It is also effective against certain sexually transmitted diseases caused by bacteria like Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and in some cases, typhoid fever.

How does it work?

Zithrox 200 Suspension contains Azithromycin, which is a macrolide antibiotic belonging to the azalide group. It works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. It binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria, preventing them from producing essential proteins needed for their growth, multiplication, and survival. This action stops the spread of the infection and allows the body's immune system to clear the bacteria more effectively.

What is the usual dosage?

Zithrox 200 Suspension is typically given as a single daily dose. For adults, a common dosage is 500 mg once daily for 3 days, or 500 mg on day 1 followed by 250 mg once daily for the next 4 days. For sexually transmitted diseases caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, a single 1-gram dose is often given.

For children over 6 months, the dosage is usually 10 mg/kg body weight once daily for 3 days. Specific dosages based on weight ranges are also provided, such as 200 mg (1 teaspoonful) for children weighing 15-25 kg for 3 days, or 500 mg once daily for 7-10 days for typhoid fever. It is crucial to follow the dosage and duration prescribed by your doctor.

What are the possible side effects?

Common side effects of Zithrox 200 Suspension include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain or cramps, headache, and skin rashes. More serious, though rare, side effects can include persistent vomiting, severe diarrhea (especially if watery or bloody), allergic reactions (such as angioedema, anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, or toxic epidermal necrolysis), and liver dysfunction (jaundice, dark urine, bleeding tendency). It may also affect heart rhythm, leading to QT prolongation. If any severe or persistent side effects occur, medical attention should be sought immediately.

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Zithrox 200 Suspension is classified as pregnancy category B. Animal reproduction studies have not shown evidence of harm to the fetus. However, well-controlled studies in pregnant women are not available. Therefore, it should only be used during pregnancy if there are no suitable alternatives and the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

It is not known whether azithromycin is secreted in breast milk, so caution should be exercised when administering it to nursing mothers. Non-serious adverse reactions like diarrhea, vomiting, or rash have been reported in breastfed infants, thus monitoring the infant is advised.

Can it be taken with other medications?

Zithrox 200 Suspension can interact with several medications. Its absorption is lessened when taken with food and antacids containing aluminum or magnesium; therefore, it should be taken at least one hour before or two hours after eating, or at least 2 hours before or after antacids.

Concurrent use with ergot derivatives (used for migraines) is not recommended due to the theoretical possibility of ergotism. Macrolides, including azithromycin, can also raise plasma levels of cyclosporine and digoxin, so caution is advised with co-administration. Azithromycin has not been found to interact significantly with warfarin, theophylline, carbamazepine, methylprednisolone, or cimetidine, though caution with warfarin and theophylline is still advised.

What precautions should be taken?

Several precautions should be taken while using Zithrox 200 Suspension. Patients with a history of allergic reactions to azithromycin or other macrolide antibiotics should avoid it. It should be used with caution in patients with significant hepatic disease, and discontinued if signs of liver dysfunction appear.

Caution is also advised for patients with severe kidney disease, although dose adjustment may not be required for mild to moderate impairment. Individuals with certain heart problems, such as QT prolongation, severe cardiac insufficiency, or those on medications affecting heart rhythm, should use it with particular caution due to the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. As with any antibiotic, it's recommended to monitor for signs of superinfection with non-susceptible organisms, including fungi. It's important to complete the entire prescribed course of the antibiotic, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the infection from returning and to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If a dose of Zithrox 200 Suspension is missed, it should be given as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one. It is important to maintain regular intervals for the best effect.

How should it be stored?

Zithrox 200 Suspension should be stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. The reconstituted suspension typically needs to be discarded after 10 days. It should be kept in a tightly closed container and out of reach of children and pets. Do not refrigerate or freeze the oral suspension unless specifically instructed.