Azores 250mg

Description

Azores 250mg Capsules contain azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic used in Pakistan to fight bacterial infections in the respiratory tract, skin, or genitourinary system. It halts bacterial protein synthesis for prolonged tissue coverage, effective against conditions like bronchitis or pneumonia, common in polluted urban areas like Karachi or during monsoon seasons in Lahore. Produced by Saydon Pharmaceutical, it’s available in packs of 6 capsules, priced around Rs. 134-149, prescription-only, and distributed through DRAP-registered pharmacies.

How It Functions

Azithromycin binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis and stopping growth, with slow release from tissues for extended action. Chemically, it’s (2R,3S,4R,5R,8R,10R,11R,12S,13S,14R)-13-[(2,6-dideoxy-3-C-methyl-3-O-methyl-α-L-ribo-hexopyranosyl)oxy]-2-ethyl-3,4,10-trihydroxy-3,5,6,8,10,12,14-heptamethyl-11-[[3,4,6-trideoxy-3-(dimethylamino)-β-D-xylo-hexopyranosyl]oxy]-6-oxa-1-azacyclopentadecan-15-one. Effective against gram-positive (e.g., Streptococcus) and gram-negative (e.g., Haemophilus) bacteria, peak levels occur in 2-3 hours, lasting up to 72 hours.

Dosage Information

Adults: Typically 500mg on day 1, then 250mg once daily for 4 days (total 1.5g course) for respiratory or skin infections; swallow capsules whole with water, with or without food. For genitourinary, single 1g dose (4 capsules). Children: Weight-based, e.g., 10mg/kg on day 1, 5mg/kg days 2-5. Avoid antacids 2 hours before/after; complete full course even if better. Adjust for kidney/liver issues; consult physician.

Side Effects

• Very Common (>1 in 10): Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain).
• Common (up to 1 in 10): Loss of appetite, rash, photosensitivity, joint pain, swelling, abnormal liver tests, headache, dizziness, drowsiness.
• Rare: Anaphylaxis, hepatitis, cholestatic jaundice, convulsions, acute kidney failure, palpitations, arrhythmias, mouth/vaginal sores, unrelieved fever.

Drug Interactions

Azithromycin may interact with:

• Antacids (aluminum/magnesium): Reduces absorption; space 2 hours apart.
• Ergotamine: Increases ergotism risk (vasospasm).
• Warfarin: Alters anticoagulation.
• Digoxin: Raises levels, risking toxicity.
• Antidiabetics: May affect blood sugar.

Indications

Approved for treating:

• Upper/lower respiratory tract infections (bronchitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, pneumonia).
• Skin and soft tissue infections.
• Otitis media.
• Uncomplicated genitourinary infections.

When Not to Use

Avoid in:

• Hypersensitivity to azithromycin or macrolides.
• History of liver disease or jaundice from azithromycin.
• Galactose intolerance.

Precautions

• Monitor heart rhythm if prolonged QT or low potassium/magnesium; avoid in myasthenia gravis.
• Use cautiously in kidney/liver impairment; adjust dose.
• Stay hydrated (2-3 liters/day unless restricted); report unrelieved fever or sores.
• Complete course to prevent resistance, a growing issue in Pakistan.
• Buy from DRAP-registered pharmacies; check holograms to avoid counterfeits.

Warnings

• Allergic reactions: Stop if rash, swelling, or breathing issues occur; seek urgent care.
• Liver/kidney: May cause failure; monitor enzymes and function.
• Heart: Risk of QT prolongation and arrhythmias; ECG if history.
• Pregnancy/breastfeeding: Use only if benefits outweigh risks; consult physician.
• Superinfection: Prolonged use may lead to fungal or resistant bacterial overgrowth.

Additional Notes

• Pregnancy Category: Consult physician; category B, no clear risk but monitor.
• Breastfeeding: Undetermined; small amounts in milk, monitor infant for diarrhea.
• Availability: Common in urban and rural pharmacies; generics like Azomax available.
• Stability: Stable at room temperature; discard expired capsules.
• Reporting: Log batch for side effects; report to DRAP for quality control.

Doctor Review

Dr. Bilal Ahmed, an infectious disease specialist in Peshawar, notes Azores’ convenience for short-course respiratory infections, ideal for Pakistan’s high pneumonia rates. DRAP data confirms its broad-spectrum efficacy, but Dr. Ahmed warns of resistance risks and heart monitoring in elderly patients.

Disclaimer

This is general product information, not a prescription or medical advice. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for personal guidance.