AZITROCIN ® Azithromycin

AZITROCIN ® is a drug based on Azithromycin

THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Antibacterials - antibacterials for systemic use, macrolides

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

Directions AZITROCIN ® Azithromycin

AZITROCIN ® is indicated for the treatment of infections caused by microorganisms sensitive to azithromycin.

Respiratory infections, odontostomatological infections, skin and soft tissue infections and gynecological infections are the main therapeutic applications for azithromycin.

Mechanism of action AZITROCIN ® Azithromycin

Azithromycin, the active ingredient belonging to the category of macrolides with 15 carbon atoms, is an antibiotic active against both Gram positive and Gram negative cocci and bacilli, with high activity especially towards aerobic Gram negative bacteria such as Haemophilus influenzae and parainfluenzae .

The therapeutic activity, in a similar way to that carried out by the founder of the category of macrolides, ie Erythromycin, is carried out through the inhibition of the protein synthesis exerted by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit, which prevents the enzyme peptidyltransferase from providing for elongation of the nascent polypeptide chain.

The pharmacokinetic characteristics that give this antibiotic a high stability in the gastric environment are particularly important, with a peak plasma time of 2-3 hours and a wide tissue distribution throughout the body.

After its activity following a particularly long half-life, essentially linked to the accumulation of this drug in tissues, Azithromycin is eliminated in the form of catabolites mainly through bile.

Studies carried out and clinical efficacy

1 AZYTHROMYCIN AND PROFILE OF CITOCHININE IN UROGENITAL INFECTIONS

Antibiot Khimioter. 2012; 57 (3-4): 29-32.

Study demonstrating that the treatment of urogenital infections with chlamydid and mycoplasmas can be effective in eradicating the microorganism, also guaranteeing a modulation of the expressed cytokine pattern, with a reduction in IL-1 and IL-6 levels in the face of an increase of IFN-Gamma concentrations

2 . NEISSERIA RESISTANT TO AZITROMYCIN

Sex Transm Dis. 2012 Nov; 39 (11): 877-9.

Work describing the emergence linked to the spread of Neisseria Gonorrhoeae strains resistant to common Azithromycin therapy. This could be a strong limit in the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy, therefore requiring an adaptation of the guidelines currently present in the US territory.

3.AZITHROMYCIN AND BONE REMAINING

J Cell Physiol. 2012 Oct 12.

Interesting experimental study that demonstrates how Azithromycin can reduce the in vitro activity of osteoclasts, thus being able to be useful as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of periodontitis.

Method of use and dosage

AZITROCIN ®

Azithromycin 500 mg coated tablets;

200 mg Azithromycin powder for oral suspension per 5ml dose.

In most cases the intake of 500-1000 mg of daily azithromycin is sufficient to control bacterial proliferation in just 3 days of treatment.

An adjustment of the doses should be foreseen instead in the case of elderly patients or those suffering from liver diseases.

Use in children should instead be defined and supervised by a specialist doctor.

Warnings AZITROCIN ® Azithromycin

Before starting therapy with AZITROCIN ® it is necessary to consult your doctor with whom to evaluate the possible presence of conditions incompatible with Azithromycin therapy, rather than the need to adjust the dosage.

It is recommended to follow the medical indications, avoiding prolonged use of this responsible product as well as alterations of the cardiac activity even of fungal and bacterial superinfections often cause of relevant gastrointestinal disorders.

AZITROCIN ® in tablets contains glucose and lactose, making it also contraindicating for patients with diabetes, lactase enzyme deficiency, lactose intolerance and glucose / galactose malabsorption syndrome.

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

Given the presence of studies showing that Azithromycin can easily permeate the placental barrier, although it does not exhibit sensitive toxic actions on the fetus, it would be appropriate to limit the use of this antibiotic during pregnancy.

These limitations should also be extended to the subsequent breastfeeding period, given the ability of Azithromycin to be excreted in significant amounts in breast milk.

Interactions

Although Azithromycin does not undergo an intense hepatic metabolism nor alter the functionality of cytochromial enzymes, it is necessary to pay particular attention to the simultaneous intake of drugs such as oral anticoagulants, cyclosporine, digoxin and cardioactive active ingredients.

Contraindications AZITROCIN ® Azithromycin

The use of AZITROCIN ® is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, in cases of severe hepatic insufficiency and in patients hypersensitive to the active ingredient or to one of its excipients.

Undesirable effects - Side effects

Azithromycin therapy exposes the patient to the same side effects of macrolide therapy.

Among the most frequently observed side effects are: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, abnormal liver function, fatigue, headache and only rarely thrombocytopenia, convulsions, irritability, cardiological changes and allergic reactions.

Prolonged therapy over time could instead lead to the appearance of superinfections with resistant microorganisms such as Clostridium difficile, responsible for persistent diarrhea due to pseudomembranous colitis.