Sumamed inj. (Zithromax)

Zithromax is a macrolide antibiotic. It slows the growth of, or sometimes kills, the sensitive bacteria by reducing the production of important proteins needed by the bacteria to survive.

Therapeutic actions:
Azithromycin acts by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible microorganisms and, thus, interfering with microbial protein synthesis. Nucleic acid synthesis is not affected.
Azithromycin concentrates in phagocytes and fibroblasts as demonstrated by in vitro incubation techniques. Using such methodology, the ratio of intracellular to extra cellular concentration was >30 after one hour incubation. In vivo studies suggest that concentration in phagocytes may contribute to drug distribution to inflamed tissues.

What is it used for?:
Adults
• Acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
• Acute bacterial sinusitis;
• Community-acquired pneumonia;
• Pharyngitis/tonsillitis;
• Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections;
• Urethritis and cervicitis;
• Genital ulcer disease in men;
Pediatric Patients:
• Acute otitis media;
• Community-acquired pneumonia;
• Pharyngitis/tonsillitis;

Contraindications and cautions:
• allergy to any ingredient in Zithromax or to other macrolide antibiotics (eg. erythromycin);
• taking pimozide.

Side effects:
• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• chest pain, uneven heartbeats;
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash.

Interactions:
• the risk of Zithromax 's side effects may be increased by nelfinavir;
• Zithromax 's effectiveness may be decreased by rifampin;
• Zithromax may increase the risk of side effects of anticoagulants (eg. warfarin), digoxin, disopyramide, pimozide, or rifampin;
• Theophylline because blood levels may temporarily decrease after stopping Zithromax.