Apo-Azithromycin general information

What is Apo-Azithromycin used for?

Apo-Azithromycin tablets 500mg are used to treat mild to moderate infections caused by certain susceptible types of bacteria in different areas of the body, including:

• Respiratory tract infections caused by Streptococcus or Haemophilus, such as pneumonia and bronchitis; also tonsillitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis and otitis medis (ear infection)
• Sexually transmitted disease caused by Chlamydia, including urethritis and cervicitis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (infection and inflammation of uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries)
• Conjunctivitis and trachoma (eye infection) caused Chlamydia trachomatis
• Skin infections and skin structure infections, including abscess and ulcers caused by Staphylococcus.
Apo-Azithromycin tablets 500mg are also used to prevent opportunistic infection (bacteria that lie dormant until activated by low immunity) with Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex (MAC) in people with HIV infection.

How does Apo-Azithromycin work?

Apo-Azithromycin tablets 500mg contain Azithromycin, an antibiotic belonging to the azalides group, which is a sub-class of the macrolides. Apo-Azithromycin prevents the spread of bacterial infection by blocking bacterial protein synthesis so that the bacteria cannot produce proteins that are needed for its growth. This action stops the growth of the bacteria and relieves symptoms of the bacterial infection, which include inflammation and pain. Apo-Azithromycin tablets 500mg do not work against viruses which use a different mechanism to grow and replicate.

What does Apo-Azithromycin contain?

Apo-Azithromycin tablets 500mg contain azithromycin dihydrate, an antibiotic belonging to the azalides group, which is a sub-class of the macrolides and is used to treat susceptible bacterial infections.

Treating bacterial infection with Apo-Azithromycin

Apo-Azithromycin tablets 500mg contain Azithromycin, an antibiotic that is used to treat mild to moderate infections caused by certain susceptible types of bacteria in different areas of the body, including,

• Respiratory tract infections caused by Streptococcus or Haemophilus, such as pneumonia and bronchitis; also tonsillitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis and otitis medis (ear infection)
• Sexually transmitted disease caused by Chlamydia, including urethritis and cervicitis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (infection and inflammation of uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries)
• Conjunctivitis and trachoma (eye infection) caused Chlamydia trachomatis
• Skin infections and skin structure infections, including abscess and ulcers caused by Staphylococcus.

Treating opportunistic bacterial infection in HIV with Apo-Azithromycin

Apo-Azithromycin tablets 500mg contain Azithromycin, an antibiotic that is used to treat mild to moderate infections caused by certain susceptible types of bacteria in different areas of the body. People with HIV are susceptible to opportunistic infection by bacteria that lie dormant until they become activated when immunity is low. Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex (MAC) can cause infections in several organs and can lead to tuberculosis. Apo-Azithromycin tablets 500mg, usually in conjunction with another antibiotic, are used to prevent opportunistic infection in people with HIV. Apo-Azithromycin tablets 500mg do not work against viruses as they use a different mechanism to grow and replicate.

What are the side effects of Apo-Azithromycin?

The most common reported side effects when taking Apo-Azithromycin tablets 500mg are gastrointestinal tract symptoms which include: diarrhoea, nausea, cramping abdominal pain and flatulence. Vomiting, headache and dizziness may also occur as well as oral thrush (white, furry, sore tongue and mouth). These side effects are generally mild. Other more serious side effects are less common and may include: dizziness, sleepiness, liver problems, taste changes, reductions in white blood cells, bruising, prolonged bleeding after injury, tiredness, numbness, feelings of aggression, nervousness, agitation, and anxiety.

When should Apo-Azithromycin not be used?

You should not use Apo-Azithromycin tablets 500mg if you:

• are allergic to azithromycin, erythromycin, any other macrolide or ketolide antibiotic or any of the ingredients in Apo-Azithromycin
• are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have liver kidney or heart disease
• taking other medication that interacts with Apo-Azithromycin, including, cyclosporin, used to suppress the immune system, cardiac glycosides like digoxin for heart failure, antacids for indigestion, anticoagulants such as coumarin, ergot derivatives such as ergotamine for migraines, zidovudine for HIV

What medications interact with Apo-Azithromycin

Several medications interact with Apo-Azithromycin tablets 500mg and should either not be taken while you are taking Apo-Azithromycin or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that decrease effectiveness of Apo-Azithromycin: antacids for indigestion should be taken1 or 2 hours after Apo-Azithromycin; ergot derivatives such as ergotamine for migraines
• Drugs that are affected by Apo-Azithromycin: cyclosporin, used to suppress the immune system; digoxin for heart failure; zidovudine for HIV; anticoagulants such as coumarin

How should Apo-Azithromycin be taken?

You should take your Apo-Azithromycin tablets 500mg swallowed whole with a glass of water once daily and must be taken with food. You should continue to take your Apo-Azithromycin tablets 500mg for as long as recommended by your doctor, usually 3 -7 days or longer, depending on what you are being treated for. Always finish your course of tablets even if you feel better, if not, the infection may not clear up completely or your symptoms may return and you run the risk of the bacteria causing your infection developing resistance to Apo-Azithromycin.

How long should you take Apo-Azithromycin?

You should continue to take your Apo-Azithromycin tablets 500mg for as long as recommended by your doctor, usually 3 -7 days or longer, depending on what you are being treated for. Always finish your course of tablets even if you feel better, if not, the infection may not clear up completely or your symptoms may return and you run the risk of the bacteria causing your infection developing resistance to Apo-Azithromycin.

Missed dose of Apo-Azithromycin

If you miss a dose of Apo-Azithromycin tablets 500mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

How should Apo-Azithromycin be stored?

You should keep your Apo-Azithromycin tablets 500mg in their blister packs until use and store below 25°C in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight.