Zithromax (azythromycin)

ZITHROMAX

Zithromax is an orally administered drug used to treat bacterial infections. It belongs to the macrolide subclass of antibiotics and is derived from erythromycin although it is slightly different in chemical structure.

The generic compound of this drug is Azithromycin which was discovered by Pliva, a Croatian pharmaceutical organization in the year 1980. The drug was patented in the year 1981. In the year 1986, Pliva signed an agreement with Pfizer enabling the latter to hold rights to sell the drug in the United States as well as Western Europe. Pfizer released Zithromax in the year 1991.

Brand Name: ZITHROMAX

Generic Name: Azithromycin

Indications for Use

The drug is used to treat a variety of infections of bacterial origin that include the following:

• Otitis media or middle ear infections
• Pharyngitis and tonsillitis
• Laryngitis
• Bronchitis
• Sinusitis
• Pneumonia
• Some skin infections of bacterial origin
• Urethritis and cervicitis

Before the drug is prescribed, proper culture testing is done along with susceptibility testing to ensure that the drug is effective against the particular organisms causing the infection as well as to avoid the possibility of developing drug resistance.

Dosage for Use

Zithromax is available in two strengths with the lowest dose being 250 mg and the higher dose being 500 mg. The drug can be had before or after food.

 The 250 mg tablets are in a pack of six known as Z-Pak out of which usually two tablets are consumed on the first day and the other four tablets are consumed one per day for the succeeding four days.

The 500 mg strength of the drug is available in a three pack known as Tri-Pak, which is consumed one per day for a total period of three days. It is also available in the suspension form which contains the drug in strengths of 100 mg or 200 mg/ teaspoon.

Depending on the condition, different doses of the drug are prescribed. For example, for a case of pneumonia, a 500mg dose is prescribed on the first day followed by 250mg for the next four days whereas for urethritis and cervicitis, a single dose of two grams is prescribed.