Azithromycin 250mg Tablet

What is Azithromycin 250mg Tablet ?

Azithromycin 250mg tablet is a medication belonging to the macrolide class of antibiotics. It is commonly used to treat various bacterial infections. Azithromycin works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, thereby helping the body’s immune system to fight off the infection.

Azithromycin 250mg Tablet Uses

• Respiratory Tract Infections: Azithromycin is often prescribed to treat respiratory infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, and pharyngitis.
• Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: It can be used to treat certain skin and soft tissue infections caused by susceptible bacteria.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Azithromycin is effective in treating certain sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.
• Ear Infections: Azithromycin can be used to treat ear infections (otitis media), particularly in cases of bacterial ear infections.
• Prevention of Mycobacterium avium Complex (MAC) Infections: Azithromycin is used as a preventive measure in individuals with HIV to reduce the risk of certain bacterial infections like Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC).
• Traveler’s Diarrhea: Azithromycin is sometimes prescribed to travelers going to areas with a high risk of bacterial diarrhea to prevent or treat traveler’s diarrhea.

Azithromycin 250mg Tablet – Mechanism of Action and Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action:

1. Inhibition of Protein Synthesis: Azithromycin interferes with the bacterial ribosome, specifically the 50S ribosomal subunit. It binds to the 23S rRNA of the 50S subunit, preventing the formation of new peptide bonds during the translation process.
2. Preventing Translocation: Azithromycin inhibits the translocation of the growing peptide chain from the ribosomal acceptor (A) site to the peptidyl (P) site, further impeding protein synthesis.
3. Inhibiting Bacterial Growth: By disrupting protein synthesis, azithromycin prevents the bacteria from producing essential proteins necessary for their growth and survival.

Pharmacology:

• Absorption and Distribution:
  • Azithromycin is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration.
  • It is distributed widely in various tissues and cells, including respiratory tract tissues.
• Metabolism and Elimination:
  • Azithromycin undergoes minimal hepatic metabolism, with the majority of the drug excreted unchanged in bile.
  • It has a relatively long half-life, allowing for once-daily dosing.
  • The elimination half-life varies but is generally around 68 hours, allowing for a prolonged duration of action.
• Spectrum of Activity:
  • Azithromycin is effective against a broad range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
  • It is particularly active against respiratory pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and atypical organisms like Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia trachomatis.

Azithromycin 250mg Tablet – Composition and Active Ingredients

• Active Ingredient:
  • Azithromycin Dihydrate: 250mg
• Inactive Ingredients (may vary by manufacturer, but typically include fillers, binders, and coatings):
  • Microcrystalline cellulose
  • Povidone
  • Croscarmellose sodium
  • Sodium lauryl sulfate
  • Magnesium stearate
  • Colloidal silicon dioxide
  • Hypromellose
  • Titanium dioxide
  • Triacetin
  • Docusate sodium
  • Lactose monohydrate

Azithromycin 250mg Tablet – Side-effects

• Nausea and vomiting: Some people may experience feelings of nausea or may actually vomit after taking azithromycin.
• Diarrhea: Azithromycin can disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in the digestive tract, leading to diarrhea.
• Abdominal pain: Some individuals may experience abdominal discomfort or pain.
• Headache: Azithromycin may cause headaches in some users.
• Dizziness: Azithromycin can cause dizziness or a feeling of lightheadedness.
• Fatigue: It might lead to increased fatigue or a feeling of weakness.
• Skin rashes: Rash or itching of the skin can occur in some cases.
• Alterations in taste and smell: Some individuals may notice changes in their sense of taste or smell.
• Heartburn or indigestion: Azithromycin may cause acid reflux or indigestion.