Zathrin
Drug name: Zathrin
Other names used:
- Azibiot®
Active Ingredients:
azithromycin
Therapeutic actions: Zathrin is an azalide, a subclass of macrolide antibiotics. Zathrin is one of the world's best-selling antibiotics, and is derived from erythromycin; however, it differs chemically from erythromycin in that a methyl-substituted nitrogen atom is incorporated into the lactone ring, thus making the lactone ring 15-membered. Zathrin prevents bacteria from growing by interfering with their protein synthesis. Zathrin binds to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, and thus inhibits translation of mRNA. Nucleic acid synthesis is not affected. It has similar antimicrobial spectrum as erythromycin, but is more effective against certain gram-negative bacteria, particularly Haemophilus influenzae.
Indications: Zathrin 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 indicated it to be effective against late-onset asthma, but these findings are controversial and not widely accepted as of yet.
Zathrin has been proven to be most effective against the most isolates of the following microorganisms:
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Streptococcus agalactiae
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Streptococcus pyogenes
- Haemophilus ducreyi
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Moraxella catarrhalis
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae
- Chlamydia pneumoniae
- Chlamydia trachomatis
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Zathrin has been shown to be effective against malaria when used in combination with artesunate or quinine; the optimal dose for this is not yet known.
Contraindications and cautions: Zathrinis 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: The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
Most common side effects are gastrointestinal; diarrhea (4-5%), nausea (3%), abdominal pain (2-3%) and vomiting. Fewer than 1% of patients stop taking the drug due to side effects. Serious allergic reactions, dermatologic reactions, and fatalities have been reported but are extremely rare. As with all antimicrobial agents, pseudomembranous colitis can occur during and up to several weeks after Zatrin therapy.
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
Interactions: Tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine.
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. 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.
