Azithromycin 500mg - 3 tablets
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Product Overview
This is a generic product, therefore depending on availability, the brand you receive may not be the same as the one pictured.
Description
Azithromycin 500mg Tablets are an oral macrolide antibiotic used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria that are sensitive to azithromycin. The official patient leaflet lists uses including chest, throat or nasal infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, tonsillitis, sore throat and sinusitis, ear infections, skin and soft tissue infections excluding infected burn wounds, and infections of the urethra or cervix caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Each tablet contains 500mg azithromycin as azithromycin dihydrate. The leaflet describes the 500mg tablets as white to off-white, oval-shaped, film-coated, biconvex tablets, debossed with “6” and “7” on either side of the score line on one side and “D” on the other side. The tablet can be divided into equal doses.
The same patient leaflet confirms that azithromycin film-coated tablets are available in blister packs of 2, 3, 4, 6 and 12 tablets, so the 3-tablet pack is part of the licensed pack range for this product. This medicine is prescribed for the treatment of bacterial infection and should only be used for the condition and duration advised by the prescriber.
How to Use
Take Azithromycin 500mg Tablets exactly as directed by your doctor, prescriber or pharmacist. The leaflet states that azithromycin tablets may be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablets with water and follow the course length shown on the dispensing label.
For adults and children over 45kg, the leaflet lists a 3-day course as 500mg once daily, which means one 500mg tablet once each day for 3 days. A 5-day course may also be prescribed for some infections, with 500mg on Day 1 followed by 250mg on Days 2 to 5. For infections of the cervix and urethra caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, the leaflet lists a single 1000mg dose, which would be two 500mg tablets taken once. For gonorrhoea, the recommended azithromycin dose is used in combination with ceftriaxone. Always follow the specific instructions provided with your prescription.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one when due. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten tablet. The leaflet also advises completing the prescribed course, as stopping early may allow the infection to come back.
Ingredients
Active ingredient:
Each film-coated tablet contains 500mg azithromycin as azithromycin dihydrate.
Tablet core ingredients:
Calcium hydrogen phosphate, pregelatinized maize starch, croscarmellose sodium, sodium lauryl sulfate, magnesium stearate.
Tablet coating ingredients:
Lactose monohydrate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E171), triacetin.
Allergy / intolerance advice:
The leaflet confirms the coating contains lactose monohydrate, which should be considered by anyone who has been told by a doctor that they have an intolerance to some sugars.
Side Effects & Warnings
Like all medicines, Azithromycin 500mg Tablets can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The leaflet advises seeking urgent medical attention if you develop sudden wheeziness, difficulty breathing, speaking or swallowing, swelling of the eyelids, face or lips, severe rash or itching, extreme dizziness or collapse, severe or prolonged diarrhoea with blood or mucus, rapid or irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, or serious skin reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, or DRESS.
Before taking azithromycin, speak to a doctor or pharmacist if you have had a previous severe allergic reaction, kidney problems, heart conditions including severe heart problems or long QT syndrome, low potassium or magnesium levels, slow heartbeat, are taking medicines that can affect heart rhythm, liver problems, neurological or psychiatric problems, or myasthenia gravis.
Do not take azithromycin if you are allergic to azithromycin, any other macrolide antibiotic such as erythromycin, or any of the ingredients in the tablets. The leaflet also notes that the tablets are not recommended for children and adolescents under 45kg, who should use a more suitable formulation if prescribed azithromycin.
The most common side effects with azithromycin include diarrhoea, while other reported side effects include headache, vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness, changes in blood results, reduced appetite, visual disturbance, hearing changes, indigestion, constipation, wind, rash, itching, tiredness and weakness. The leaflet also warns that severe or prolonged diarrhoea during or after treatment may be a sign of serious bowel inflammation and needs urgent assessment.
Azithromycin can interact with other medicines. The leaflet specifically advises telling your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking medicines such as ergotamine, warfarin, digoxin, colchicine, ciclosporin, statins, antacids, nelfinavir, rifabutin, terfenadine, zidovudine, alfentanil, astemizole, or medicines that may affect heart rhythm, including some anti-arrhythmics, antipsychotics, antidepressants and certain antibiotics.