Zathrin (Azithromycin 250mg)

Zathrin general information

What is Zathrin used for?

Zathrin tablets 250mg are used to treat a variety of mild to moderate infections caused by certain susceptible types of bacteria in different areas of the body.  These include lower respiratory tract infections caused by Streptococcus or Haemophilus, such as pneumonia and bronchitis; also upper respiratory tract infections like tonsillitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis and otitis media (ear infection); skin and soft tissue infections like folliculitis and cellulitis, abscess and ulcers caused by Staphylococcus and Streptococcus; sexually transmitted disease caused by Chlamydia, including urethritis and cervicitis; pelvic inflammatory disease (infection and inflammation of uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries).  Zathrin tablets 250mg 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. 

How does Zathrin work?

Zathrin tablets 250mg contain azithromycin, an antibiotic belonging to the azalides group, which is a sub-class of the macrolides.  Azithromycin in Zathrin tablets 250mg 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 and spread of the bacteria and relieves symptoms of the bacterial infection, which include inflammation and pain.  Zathrin tablets 250mg do not work against viruses which use a different mechanism to grow and replicate. 

What does Zathrin contain?

Zathrin tablets 250mg contain the active ingredient azithromycin dehydrate, an antibiotic used to treat a variety of mild to moderate infections caused by certain susceptible types of bacteria in different areas of the body.

Treating bacterial infection with Zathrin

Zathrin tablets 250mg contain azithromycin, an antibiotic belonging to the azalides group, used to treat a variety of mild to moderate infections caused by certain susceptible types of bacteria in different areas of the body.  These infections include lower respiratory tract infections like pneumonia and bronchitis; also upper respiratory tract infections like tonsillitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis and otitis media (ear infection); skin and soft tissue infections like folliculitis and cellulitis; abscess and ulcers; sexually transmitted diseases, including urethritis and cervicitis; pelvic inflammatory disease (infection and inflammation of uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries).  Zathrin tablets 250mg 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.  Azithromycin in Zathrin tablets 250mg 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 and spread of the bacteria and relieves symptoms of the bacterial infection, which include inflammation and pain.  Zathrin tablets 250mg do not work against

What are the side effects of Zathrin?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Zathrin tablets 250mg include diarrhoea, nausea, cramping abdominal pain and flatulence.  Other mild to moderate side effects include vomiting headache, dizziness and oral thrush (white, furry, sore tongue and mouth). 

When should Zathrin not be used?

You should not use Zathrin tablets 250mg if you:

• are allergic to azithromycin or any other macrolide or ketolide antibiotic or or any ingredients in Zathrin
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have kidney or liver disease
• have QT prolongation, have irregular heartbeat or other heart problems
• are taking medicines that interact with Zathrin including the immunosuppressant cyclosporin, digoxin for heart failure, antacids for indigestion, anticoagulants such as coumarin, ergot derivatives such as ergotamine for migraines, indinavir, saquinavir, ritonavir and zidovudine for HIV

What medications interact with Zathrin?

Several medications interact with Zathrin tablets 250mg and should either not be taken while you are taking Zathrin or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that decrease effectiveness of Zathrin: antacids for indigestion (should be taken1 or 2 hours after Arrow-Azithromycin; ergot derivatives such as ergotamine for migraines
• Drugs that are affected by Zathrin: the immunosuppressant cyclosporine, digoxin for heart failure, anticoagulants such as coumarin, indinavir, saquinavir, ritonavir and zidovudine for HIV

How should Zathrin be taken?

You should take your Zathrin tablets 250mg swallowed whole, with a glass of water with food usually once a day, for 3 days or longer up to several weeks, depending on what you are being treated for and your doctor’s recommendations.  You should continue to take your Zathrin tablets 250mg for as long as recommended by your doctor and 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 Zathrin tablets 250mg. 

How long should you take Zathrin?

You should continue to take your Zathrin tablets 250mg for as long as recommended by your doctor and 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 Zathrin tablets 250mg. 

Missed dose of Zathrin

If you miss a dose of Zathrin tablets 250mg 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 Zathrin be stored?

You should store your Zathrin tablets 250mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.