Azithromycin
Class: Macrolide antibiotic
Manufacturer: Bliss Gvs Pharma Limited
Dosage Form: Tablet
Similar Brands: Azifast 500mg Tabs and Azix 500mg (Azithromycin)
Uses:
Treats bacterial infections including:
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Chest, throat, sinus, and ear infections
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Skin and soft tissue infections
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Urethritis and cervicitis due to Chlamydia trachomatis
Dosage:
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Adults (≥45 kg):
500 mg once daily for 3 days, or
500 mg on day 1, then 250 mg daily on days 2–5 -
Chlamydia trachomatis: 1000 mg single dose
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Children (<45 kg):
Use oral suspension (not tablets); dose based on weight -
Elderly:
Same as adults -
Renal/hepatic impairment:
Use with caution; consult physician
Take with or without food, with half a glass of water
Side Effects:
Common:
Diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, flatulence, dizziness, rash, headache
Serious (rare):
Severe allergic reactions, liver problems, irregular heartbeat, pancreatitis, photosensitivity, Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD)
Warnings & Precautions:
Avoid if:
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Allergic to azithromycin or macrolides
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You have liver, kidney, or heart rhythm problems (e.g., prolonged QT)
Use with caution in:
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Myasthenia gravis, psychiatric or neurological conditions
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Concurrent use of ergot derivatives (e.g., ergotamine)
Pregnancy & Lactation:
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Use only if clearly needed during pregnancy
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Avoid while breastfeeding (passes into breast milk)
Drug Interactions:
Avoid or monitor use with:
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Antacids (take azithromycin 1 hr before or 2 hrs after)
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Ergotamine, warfarin, statins, digoxin, cisapride, pimozide
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HIV meds (zidovudine, nelfinavir), rifabutin, cyclosporin
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Alfentanil, theophylline, astemizole, quinidine
Contraindications:
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Known allergy to azithromycin or related antibiotics
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History of cholestatic jaundice/hepatic dysfunction with prior use
Price: Ksh 300
Notes:
Pack Size: 3s