Uses and side effects of Azee tablets and Dry powder Suspension

Azee is a semisynthetic antibiotic in macrolide family. Its generic name is Azithromycin. It is used for wide variety of infections such as respiratory tract infections, ear infections, skin infections, and genital infections. 

Azee is generally a well tolerated and commonly used antibiotic. However, It has certain interactions with other medications, which can be important.

Common brands of this generic drug are Zithromax, Azithrocin, and Zithrin. This drug has broader spectrum than other macrolides.

Uses of Azee

Oral Azee is used for moderate upper and lower respiratory tract infections. It is also used for genital infections like, infections in cervix and urethra, and in gonorrhea.

This is furthermore used in treatment and prevention of mycobacterium avium complex infection in HIV infected patients.

Another indication, which is unlicensed, is typhoid fever. In addition, oral Azeeis used in children for the treatment of acute ear infection, sore throat, infection in tonsils, and mid pneumonia.

Common side effects of Azee

1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Gastric irritation
4. Constipation

Nausea and vomiting is a common side effect.

Gastro intestinal side effects are the commonest. They include nausea, vomiting, gastritis, and constipation. Some patients will get headache with azithromycin.

Certain patients have complained of disturbance in taste and smell.

Rarely patients can get seizures (fits). Liver damage is another rare side effect.

Preparations

Suspension (Dry syrup)

Suspensions are available in 100mg in 5ml and 200mg in 5ml forms for children. Parent should dissolve it with 10ml of water (boiled and then cooled) and shake it well before use. Put water upto the mark mentioned in bottle.

Keep it in refrigerator and if not used, discard after seven days. It is available in film coated tablets as well. Intravenous form is available for serious infections.

Tablets are usually in strengths of 250mg and 500mg.

It is important to tell your doctor whether you have liver disease before getting the prescription. 

Or Allergies to medications and food stuffs. 

Hives are common sign of allergies so mention if you get them to the doctor before prescription. 

How it is given

Usually administer once daily. Typical duration of treatment is three to four days. This can be taken with or without food.
Cautions

Doctors will not prescribe Azee for patients with severe liver impairment, severe renal impairment and acute porphyria. Before prescribing, if you have history of heart disease, doctor may ask for an electro cardiogram (ECG).

Pregnancy

Not known to be harmful in pregnancy and breast feeding (very small amount in breast milk).


Drug interactions

Azee inhibits liver enzymes that are used to eliminate certain drugs. This results in rising blood levels of those drugs. Few examples are ergotamine, cyclosporine, digoxin, phenytoin sodium, pimozide, warfarin (interaction causes increased bleeding) and theophylline (drug used to treat asthma and cough).

How it works

Azee inhibits bacterial growth by inhibiting protein synthesis in susceptible bacteria. Its concentration is high (around 400 times) in and around the areas of infections in body. This drug eliminates slowly from the body via hepatic metabolism.

Sources

British National Formulary (www.bnf.org)
AHFS Drug Information