What is Zathrin (Generic Zithromax) (Azithromycin)?
Zathrin (Generic Zithromax) (Azithromycin) is an antibiotic drug. In the US, its brand name is Zithromax. It is sold under many other brand names in other countries.
Antibiotics fight infections caused by bacteria. Zathrin (Generic Zithromax) (Azithromycin) is used to fight opportunistic infections in people with HIV. Pfizer manufactures it.
Dosage and Administration
Azithromycin should be given as a single daily dose.
Tablets may be taken with food. Administration of capsules with or following a meal significantly reduces the bioavailability. Therefore, capsules must be taken at least one hour before or two hours after a meal.
Adults
Sexually transmitted uncomplicated urethritis and cervicitis due to Chlamydia trachomatis or susceptible Neisseria gonorrhoeae: 1 g as a single dose.
Conjunctivitis and trachoma due to Chlamydia trachomatis: 1 g either as a single dose or once weekly for up to three weeks (see Clinical Trials).
Following IV therapy for the treatment of Community Acquired Pneumoniae: 500 mg as a single daily dose to complete a 7 to 10 day course of therapy.
Following IV therapy for the treatment of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: 250 mg as a single daily dose to complete a 7 day course of therapy.
Prevention of disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) disease in adults with HIV infection: 1200 mg taken as a single dose once weekly, either alone, or in combination with rifabutin, at its recommended dosage.
All other indications (including outpatients initiated on oral treatment of CAP due to S. Pneumoniae or H. Influenzae ): Total dose of 1.5 g taken as 500 mg on day 1, then 250 mg daily on days 2 to 5 or alternatively as 500 mg daily for 3 days.
Why do peole with HIV take Zathrin (Generic Zithromax) (Azithromycin)?
Zathrin (Generic Zithromax) (Azithromycin) is used for mild or moderate bacterial infections. It works against several different bacteria, especially chlamydia, hemophilus and streptococcus. These bacteria can infect the skin, nose, throat, and lungs. They can also be transmitted through sexual activity and cause infections in the genital area.
Many germs live in our bodies or are common in our surroundings. A healthy immune system can fight them off or keep them under control. However, HIV infection can weaken the immune system. Infections that take advantage of weakened immune defenses are called "opportunistic infections." People with advanced HIV disease can get opportunistic infections. See Fact Sheet 500 for more information on Opportunistic Infections.
One opportunistic infection in people with HIV is MAC. This stands for mycobacterium avium complex. People who have a T-cell count of less than 75 may develop MAC.
Zathrin (Generic Zithromax) (Azithromycin) is often used with another antibiotic to treat MAC. It can also be used to prevent MAC infection. If your T-cell count is below 75, talk to your doctor about using Zathrin (Generic Zithromax) (Azithromycin).
Some people are allergic to Zathrin (Generic Zithromax) (Azithromycin) and similar antibiotics. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are allergic to erythromycin or other antibiotics.
What about drug resistance?
Whenever you take medication, be sure to take all of the prescribed doses. Many people stop if they feel better. This is not a good idea. If the drug doesn't kill all of the germs, they might change (mutate) so that they can survive even when you are taking medications. When this happens, the drug will stop working. This is called "developing resistance" to the drug.
For example, if you are taking Zathrin (Generic Zithromax) (Azithromycin) to fight MAC and you miss too many doses, the MAC in your body could develop resistance to Zathrin (Generic Zithromax) (Azithromycin). Then you would have to take a different drug or combination of drugs to fight MAC.
How is Zathrin (Generic Zithromax) (Azithromycin) taken?
Zathrin (Generic Zithromax) (Azithromycin) is available in capsules or tablets of 250 milligram (mg.) There is also a 600 mg tablet. It is also available in powder and liquid forms. To fight most infections, the dose for adults is 500 mg on the first day, and then 250 mg each day for 4 more days.
The dose used to prevent MAC infection is 1200 mg or 1250 mg once a week.
Zathrin (Generic Zithromax) (Azithromycin) tablets can be taken with or without food. Take it with plenty of water. The capsules or liquid should be taken on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before eating or 2 hours after eating. Be sure to check the instructions carefully.
Do not take Zathrin (Generic Zithromax) (Azithromycin) at the same time as antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium. They will reduce the amount of Zathrin (Generic Zithromax) (Azithromycin) in your blood.
What are the Side Effects?
The side effects of Zathrin (Generic Zithromax) (Azithromycin) mostly affect the digestive system. They include diarrhea, nausea, and pain in the abdomen. Some people get very sensitive to sunlight. Others may get headaches, be dizzy or sleepy, or have some problems hearing. Very few people who take Zathrin (Generic Zithromax) (Azithromycin) get these side effects. However, most anti-HIV medications also cause problems in the digestive system. Zathrin (Generic Zithromax) (Azithromycin) could make those problems worse.
Antibiotics kill some helpful bacteria that normally live in the digestive system. You can eat yogurt or take supplements of acidophilus to replace them
How does Zathrin (Generic Zithromax) (Azithromycin) react with other drugs?
Zathrin (Generic Zithromax) (Azithromycin) is broken down by the liver. It can interact with other drugs that also use the liver. Scientists have not yet studied all the possible interactions. Zathrin (Generic Zithromax) (Azithromycin) probably interacts with some blood thinners, heart medications, seizure medications, and other antibiotics. Be sure your doctor knows about all the medications you are taking.
Your doctor may need to monitor you carefully if you are taking Zathrin (Generic Zithromax) (Azithromycin) and the protease inhibitor ritonavir.
Antacids with aluminum or magnesium can lower blood levels of Zathrin (Generic Zithromax) (Azithromycin). Do not take antacids at the same time as Zathrin (Generic Zithromax) (Azithromycin).
Categories
Genital ulcer disease; Infection, cervix; Infection, lower respiratory tract; Infection, ear, middle; Infection, pharynx; Infection, skin and skin structures; Infection, tonsils; Infection, upper respiratory tract; Infection, urethra; Mycobacterium avium complex; Pelvic inflammatory disease; Pneumonia, community-acquired; Pregnancy Category B.
Drug Classes
Antibiotics, Macrolides
Brand Names
Aruzilina; Zithromax
Foreign Brand Availability
Azadose (France)
Azenil (Israel)
Azimin (Colombia)
Azithral (India)
Azitrocin (Italy; Mexico)
Azitromax (Sweden)
Aziwok (Benin; Burkina-Faso; Ethiopia; Gambia; Ghana; Guinea; India; Ivory-Coast; Kenya; Liberia; Malawi; Mali; Mauritania; Mauritius; Morocco; Niger; Nigeria; Senegal; Seychelles; Sierra-Leone; Sudan; Tanzania; Tunia; Uganda; Zambia; Zimbabwe)
Azomyne (Bahrain; Cyprus; Egypt; Iran; Iraq; Jordan; Kuwait; Lebanon; Libya; Oman; Qatar; Republic-of-Yemen; Saudi-Arabia; Syria; United-Arab-Emirates)
Azro (Bahrain; Cyprus; Egypt; Iran; Iraq; Jordan; Kuwait; Lebanon; Libya; Oman; Qatar; Republic-of-Yemen; Saudi-Arabia; Syria; United-Arab-Emirates)
Aztrin (Indonesia)
Inedol (Peru)
Kromicin (Colombia)
Macrozit (Colombia; Peru)
Setron (Peru)
Tobil (Colombia)
Tromix (Colombia)
Ultreon (Germany)
Zaret (Colombia)
Zeto (Israel)
Zibramax (Indonesia)
Zifin (Indonesia)
Zimericina (Colombia)
Zistic (Indonesia)
Zitrim (Colombia)
Zitrim U (Colombia)
Zitrobifan (Colombia)
Zitromax (Colombia; Ecuador; Italy; Peru; Spain)
Zomax (Bahrain; Cyprus; Egypt; Iran; Iraq; Jordan; Kuwait; Lebanon; Libya; Oman; Qatar; Republic-of-Yemen; Saudi-Arabia; Syria; United-Arab-Emirates)
Xthrone (Bahrain; Cyprus; Egypt; Iran; Iraq; Jordan; Kuwait; Lebanon; Libya; Oman; Qatar; Republic-of-Yemen; Saudi-Arabia; Syria; United-Arab-Emirates)
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