Sumamed

Drug name: Sumamed

Other names used:

• Vinzam®
• Zithromax®
• Zitrocin®

Active Ingredients: azithromycin

Therapeutic actions: Azithromycin is used to treat certain bacterial infections, most often bacteria causing middle ear infections, tonsillitis, throat infections, laryngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia and sinusitis. It is also effective against certain sexually transmitted infectious diseases, such as non-gonococcal urethritis and cervicitis. Recent studies have also shown it to be effective against late-onset asthma, but these findings are controversial and not widely accepted as of yet.Upper respiratory tract infections: bacterial pharyngitis/tonsilitis, sinusitis and ottitis media.
Lower respiratory tract infections: bacterial bronchitis, acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, interstitial and alveolar pneumonia. Skin and soft tissue infections: erythema migrans (first stage of Lyme disease), erysipelas, impetigo and secondary pyoderma.
Sexually transmitted diseases: uncomplicated urethritis/cervicitis. Gastric and duodenal infections caused by Helicobacter pylori.

Indications: Azithromycin is an antibiotic (macrolide-type) used to prevent and treat a very serious type of infection (mycobacteria or MAC). It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

Contraindications and cautions: Sumamed is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any macrolide antibiotic.
Medical properties of azithromycin require short and simple dosage regime. There is no need for longer administration of azithromycin for above indications, than recommended in the instructions leaflet. Caution should be exercised when azithromycin is administered to patients with impaired hepatic function.

Adverse effects: Most of reported side effects are mild to moderate in severity and reversible upon discontinuation of the drug.
Majority of the side effects is related to the gastro-intestinal tract .Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• upset stomach
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• stomach pain
• mild skin rash

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

• severe skin rash
• hives
• itching
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• hoarseness
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat

Azithromycin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

Interactions: Antacids affect azithromycin's absorption rate. An interval of at least two hours between administration of azithromycin and an antacid is recommended. In patients receiving ergot alkaloids, ergotism can be precipitated by co-administration of some macrolide antibiotics, but there are no data concerning the possibility of an interaction between ergot derivates and azithromycin.
Macrolide antibiotics are known to interact with digoxin, cyclosporin, astemizole, triazolam, midazolam or alfentanyl. Although there are no data about interactions of azithromycin and above mentioned drugs, careful monitoring of concomitant use of these drugs is recommended. The effect of azithromycin on the blood levels of theophylline, terphenadine, warfarine, carbamazepine, methylprednisolone and cimetedine has not been observed. Unlike majority of macrolides, azithromycin does not bind to cytochrom P-450 and so far no interactions with azithromycin and stated drugs have been observed.

Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, if needed during treatment, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials.

Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, if needed during treatment, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials.