ALICIN(Azithromycin)
Description
ALICIN contains Azithromycin, a broad-spectrum macrolide antibiotic derived from erythromycin. It exhibits bacteriostatic action by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting protein synthesis in susceptible bacteria.
Azithromycin has excellent tissue penetration, a long half-life, and high intracellular concentrations, allowing shorter treatment durations compared to other antibiotics. It is effective against gram-positive, gram-negative, and atypical bacteria, including:
Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Indications
ALICIN is indicated for mild to moderate bacterial infections caused by susceptible microorganisms, including:
- Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) – Caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae
- Acute Bacterial Sinusitis – Effective against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis
- Acute Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis – Streptococcus pyogenes (as an alternative to penicillin)
- Chronic Bronchitis Exacerbation
- Impetigo
- Cellulitis
- Erysipelas
- Uncomplicated Urethritis and Cervicitis due to Chlamydia trachomatis
- Gonorrhea (as combination therapy)
- Acute Otitis Media (AOM) – Effective against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis
- Traveler’s Diarrhea (including Campylobacter jejuni)
- Typhoid Fever (Salmonella typhi)
- Helicobacter pylori Eradication (as part of triple therapy)
- Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) in HIV patients.
Dosage Recommendations
The recommended dosage varies based on the infection being treated:
- Respiratory Tract and Skin Infections: 500 mg once daily for 3 days.
- Chlamydia (STI): Single 1g dose.
- Gonorrhea (as part of combination therapy): 1g Azithromycin + 500 mg Ceftriaxone IM (single dose).
- Acute Otitis Media and Pneumonia in Children: 10 mg/kg once daily for 3 days.
- H. pylori Eradication: 500 mg daily for 3 days as part of combination therapy.
Patients are advised to take the medication on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, for optimal absorption. If using the suspension, it should be shaken well before use and stored according to package instructions.
Precautions and Warnings
Although generally well tolerated, Azithromycin should be used with caution in certain patient populations.
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Patients with a known allergy to macrolides (such as erythromycin or clarithromycin) should avoid Azithromycin. Severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), have been reported in rare cases.
QT Prolongation and Cardiac Risk
Azithromycin can cause QT interval prolongation, leading to serious arrhythmias such as Torsade’s de Pointes. Patients with pre-existing heart conditions, electrolyte imbalances, or those taking other QT-prolonging drugs (such as amiodarone, fluoroquinolones, or antipsychotics) should use it with caution.
Superinfection and Antibiotic Resistance
As with all antibiotics, prolonged use of Azithromycin can lead to the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria. Patients should be advised to complete the full course of therapy to prevent the development of resistant strains. Additionally, Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) should be considered if a patient develops severe diarrhea during or after treatment.
Patient Advisory and Counseling Points
- Complete the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve early.
- Take the medication on an empty stomach for better absorption.
- Do not take antacids within 2 hours of Azithromycin, as they can reduce effectiveness.
- Report any severe diarrhea to a healthcare provider, as this could indicate C. difficile infection.
- Avoid alcohol during treatment to minimize liver stress.
- Store oral suspension refrigerated after reconstitution and discard after 10 days.
ALICIN® (Azithromycin) is a highly effective, broad-spectrum antibiotic that provides rapid relief from respiratory, skin, soft tissue, and sexually transmitted infections. Due to its short treatment duration, excellent tissue penetration, and high safety profile, it is a first-line choice for many bacterial infections.
Note : Always Consult a physician before taking any medication, and do not rely solely on this information for medical advice.
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