Zithromax 200mg/5ml is an antibiotic in powder form for oral suspension, indicated for the treatment of respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, dental infections, or genitourinary tract infections. The medication must be used in the exact dosage recommended by the doctor to achieve optimal therapeutic efficacy.
1. What is Zithromax 200mg/5ml?
Zithromax 200mg/5ml is an antibiotic with azithromycin as the active ingredient. It is primarily used to treat soft tissue infections, respiratory tract infections, dental infections, skin infections, and certain genitourinary tract infections. Additionally, Zithromax 200mg/5ml is prescribed for patients with advanced-stage HIV who develop Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex (MAC) infections.
The medication is formulated as a powder for oral suspension, making it suitable for children and patients with respiratory infections or other infections caused by susceptible bacteria who may have difficulty swallowing tablet forms. Each package contains six sachets of powder for oral suspension. Other dosages include Zithromax 125mg/5ml and Zithromax 250mg.
In addition to its main active ingredient, azithromycin dihydrate 209.64mg/5ml (equivalent to 200mg/5ml azithromycin base), Zithromax 200/5 contains excipients such as sucrose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, anhydrous sodium phosphate tribasic, artificial cherry red coloring, xanthan gum, banana flavoring, and vanilla essence.
2. Indications for Zithromax 200mg/5ml
Zithromax 200mg/5ml is indicated for the treatment of the following conditions:
- Treatment of bacterial infections caused by susceptible organisms, including lower respiratory tract infections (pneumonia and bronchitis), skin and soft tissue infections, dental infections, upper respiratory tract infections (pharyngitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis), or acute otitis media.
- Treatment of Streptococcus pyogenes pharyngitis, with the additional benefit of preventing rheumatic fever.
- Treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in both males and females. The drug is effective in treating uncomplicated genitourinary infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. It is also indicated for chancroid caused by Haemophilus ducreyi and for uncomplicated genitourinary infections caused by non-multidrug-resistant strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
- Prevention of Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex (MAC) infection in individuals with advanced-stage HIV. Zithromax 200mg/5ml can be used alone or in combination with rifabutin to prevent this opportunistic infection.
- Treatment of disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (DMAC) in individuals with advanced-stage HIV. Zithromax 200mg/5ml, when combined with ethambutol, is effective in managing this condition.
3. Dosage and Administration of Zithromax 200mg/5ml
3.1. Dosage Guidelines
For Adults
Treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs):
- For infections caused by Haemophilus ducreyi and Chlamydia trachomatis: Take a single dose of 1000mg.
- For susceptible strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae: Take 1000mg or 2000mg as a single dose, in combination with 250mg or 500mg ceftriaxone, based on local clinical treatment guidelines.
- For patients allergic to cephalosporins or penicillin: Follow the dosage recommended by the physician.
Treatment of disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (DMAC) in HIV patients:
- Take 600mg once daily. This can be combined with other anti-Mycobacterium drugs such as ethambutol.
- Prevention of Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex (MAC) in HIV patients: Take 1200mg once weekly.
- Other indications: Take a total dose of 1500mg over 3 days (500mg daily). Alternatively, the same total dose can be administered over 5 days, with 500mg on day 1 followed by 250mg daily from days 2 to 5.
For Children
The maximum total dose of azithromycin for any treatment in children is 1500mg. Dosage adjustments depend on the specific condition:
- Treatment of pharyngitis caused by Streptococcus: Administer 10mg/kg daily for 3 days, not exceeding 500mg/day.
- Treatment of acute otitis media: Administer a single dose of 30mg/kg.
For Elderly Patients
Use the same dosage as for adults. However, elderly patients are at a higher risk of developing torsades de pointes compared to younger individuals.
For Patients with Renal Impairment
No dose adjustment is required for patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. However, caution is advised in cases of severe renal impairment.
For Patients with Hepatic Impairment
Patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment can take the same dose as those with normal liver function.
3.2. How to Use Zithromax 200mg/5ml
Patients can dissolve the powder in a sufficient amount of warm water, approximately 5–10ml of warm water per sachet. Stir well and take the suspension one hour before a meal or at least two hours after a meal.
4. Side Effects of Zithromax 200mg/5ml
Zithromax 200mg/5ml is generally well-tolerated. Most side effects are mild to moderate and resolve after discontinuation. Specific side effects include:
- Common side effects: Indigestion, nausea, diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, and temporary hearing loss.
- Less common side effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, fatigue, rash, itching, cervicitis, or vaginitis.
- Rare side effects: Angioedema, anaphylaxis, nephritis, taste disturbances, lightheadedness, vertigo, photosensitivity, edema, transient increases in transaminases, temporary neutropenia, cholestatic jaundice, and hepatitis.
5. Drug Interactions with Zithromax 200mg/5ml
Zithromax 200mg/5ml may interact with the following medications:
- Ergot derivatives: Increased risk of toxicity.
- Food: Can reduce the drug's bioavailability by up to 50%.
- Antacids.
- Anticoagulants (e.g., coumarins).
- Digoxin.
- Rifabutin: May cause mild neutropenia.
- Theophylline.
- Methylprednisolone, cimetidine, and carbamazepine.
6. Contraindications for Zithromax 200mg/5ml
Zithromax 200mg/5ml should be stored in a cool, dry place away from high humidity and direct sunlight. The ideal storage temperature is below 30°C. Avoid storing the medication in areas prone to mold or bacterial contamination, as this can degrade the drug. Additionally, keep the medication out of reach of children and pets to ensure safety.
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