ZITROMAX ® Azithromycin

ZITROMAX ® is a drug based on Azithromycin

THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Antibacterials - Antibiotics for systemic use

IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects

Indications ZITROMAX ® Azithromycin

ZITROMAX ® is used in the antibiotic treatment of infections caused by micro-organisms sensitive to azithromycin responsible for respiratory, ondotostomatological, gynecological, skin and soft tissue pathologies.

Mechanism of action ZITROMAX ® Azithromycin

ZITROMAX ® is a drug based on Azithromycin, an active ingredient belonging to the category of macrolides with 15 carbon atoms and generally used in the clinical environment for the marked activity towards a wide spectrum of pathogenic microorganisms.

The bacteriostatic activity, guaranteed by the protein inhibition exerted by the antibiotic through the bond to the 50S ribosomal subunit, a binding site for enzymes responsible for stretching the peptide chain, is in some cases limited by the onset of various resistance mechanisms that prevent the antibiotic from concentrating in the cell in such quantities as to carry out a therapeutic action, rather than reaching the biological target actively.

Fortunately, these mechanisms are limited exclusively to certain microorganisms, thus preserving a generalized biological efficacy.

The excellent pharmacokinetic properties, characterized by great stability in an acid environment, allow Azithromycin to be rapidly absorbed, reaching maximum plasma concentrations in 2-3 hours and persisting in circulation and in tissues for over 24 hours, after which be eliminated mainly through bile.

Studies carried out and clinical efficacy

1 AZITHROMYCIN AND RISK OF CARDIOVASCULAR DEATH

N Engl J Med. 2012 May 17; 366 (20): 1881-90.

In light of the potential cardiotoxic effects of azithromycin, the risk of death from cardiovascular events associated with treatment for 5 days with azithromycin was assessed in this work.

The results show that this treatment leads to a reduced increase in cardiovascular deaths, especially in patients at risk.

2 . AZYTHROMYCIN IN THE PREVENTION OF IPERSECREECTION OF MUCHI

Mediators Inflamm. 2012; 2012: 265714. Epub 2012 Apr 23.

Interesting work that demonstrates how Azithromycin can reduce the mucous secretions of the respiratory tract, resulting potentially useful in the treatment of mucous hypersecretion associated with inflammation of the respiratory tract.

3.AZITHROMYCIN IN PREVENTIONS OF INFECTIONS FROM PSEUDOMONAS AEURIGINOSA

Intensive Care Med. 2012 Jul; 38 (7): 1118-25.

A study conducted on over 90 patients demonstrating that the administration of 300 mg of azithromycin daily can prevent Pseudomonas aeuriginosa infections in patients suffering from pneumonia, definitely improving the prognosis.

Method of use and dosage

ZITROMAX ®

Azithromycin 500 mg coated tablets;

200 mg Azithromycin powder for oral suspension for 5 ml of solution;

Azithromycin 600 mg tablets.

Generally, the daily intake of 500 mg of Azithromycin for three consecutive days is effective in controlling bacterial proliferation and eliminating the organism responsible for respiratory and odontostomatological pathologies.

The dosage could instead be increased until it has doubled in the treatment of gynecological infections.

An adjustment of the doses used would instead be appropriate in patients suffering from liver and kidney diseases and in the elderly.

The use of ZITROMAX ® in pediatric age must necessarily be defined and supervised by the specialist doctor.

Warnings ZITROMAX ® Azithromycin

The use of ZITROMAX ® must necessarily be preceded by a careful medical examination that evaluates the possible presence of contraindications to the use of this drug or of particular situations, such as reduced liver function, for which it would be necessary to provide for an adjustment of the generally used doses.

If the three-day therapy had not given appreciable results, it would be advisable to consult the doctor with whom to evaluate the need to vary the antibiotic therapy in progress.

Prolonged use of azithromycin may lead to the appearance of unpleasant adverse events such as lengthening the QT interval and infections with resistant microorganisms such as Clostridium difficile.

ZITROMAX ® contains lactose and glucose; it is therefore contraindicated in patients with lactase enzyme deficiency, lactose intolerance and glucose-galactose malabsorption syndrome.

ZITROMAX ® should be used with caution by diabetic patients.

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

The use of ZITROMAX ® should only take place in cases of real need in pregnant women given the ability of the active ingredient to pass the placental barrier.

Similarly, it is generally contraindicated during breastfeeding due to its ability to concentrate in breast milk in significant concentrations.

Interactions

Although Azithromycin does not infer with the normal activity of cytochromial enzymes, particular attention should be paid to the simultaneous intake of oral anticoagulants, cardioactive drugs, ergotamine and cyclosporine.

In the event that the need to combine more active ingredients arises, it is always advisable to consult your doctor first.

Contraindications ZITROMAX ® Azithromycin

ZITROMAX ® is contraindicated in hepatopathic patients, allergic to azithromycin, to structurally related active ingredients and to the relative excipients and in pregnant women as well as during breastfeeding.