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Zithromax® Z-pak (Azithromycin)Azithromycin (sold by Pfizer as Zithromax® Z-pak, Tri-pak) is a popular macrolide antibiotic of the azalide subclass with unique advantageous properties. It is valuable antibiotic for a wide variety of infections. Zithromax® has several important benefits. It has a wide margin of safety and is suitable for kids and pregnant women1. Its exceptional capability to accumulate in tissues allows for convenient once-daily dosing and short course of prescription. Excellent antimicrobial spectrum also counts. Azithromycin has no significant interactions, because it does not activate hepatic CYP450 isozymes. If you are looking for the most effective prescription at the best possible price - Generic Z-Pak may be the answer. It offers all the benefits of a Pfizer's Zithromax, but costs significantly less.
How to use
Although there is no single antibiotic that covers every infection, Zithromax® is the best option in many situations. Zithromax® is often prescribed for otitis media, acute bacterial sinusitis, community-acquired pneumonia, bronchitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, urogenital and soft tissue infections. Zithromax® is a valuable anti-infective for persons who are allergic to penicillins. Effective levels of Zithromax® are maintained for up to 5 days after the last dose taken. So it is very attractive option for treating non-compliant persons (e.g. adolescents). Contraindications Contraindicated in persons with known hypersensitivity to any macrolide or ketolide antibiotic. Precautions The most frequent complaints are gastrointestinal such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Because azithromycin is eliminated mainly via the liver, it should be used with caution in persons with impaired liver function. Dosage The usual anti-infective prescription regimen is 500 mg as a single dose
on the first day followed by 250 mg once daily for a further 4 days. For acute bacterial sinusitis the dosage is 500 mg every day for 3 days. Zithromax® is a suitable prescription for urogenital infections. It is recommended to take 1 g as a single dose (three-day regimen is 500 mg on day 1 then 250 mg/day for a further 2 days). Such simple regimen ensures 100% compliance without fail. Pertussis Zithromax® is a good option for treating pertussis (whooping cough)3. Whooping cough is a highly contagious infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. Azithromycin promptly eradicates Bordetella pertussis in ill kids and adults. It is known to be bactericidal against B. pertussis. Children aged >6 months: 10 mg/kg (max. 500 mg) on day 1, followed by 5 mg/kg (max. 250 mg) per day on days 2 through 5. Adults: 500 mg on day 1, followed by 250 mg per day on days 2 through 5. Unique properties
Many benefits of Zithromax® come from its exceptionally long elimination half-life of about 60 hours. And here is an explanation. Azithromycin is rapidly and extensively moved from the circulation into intracellular compartments resulting in high and sustained tissue concentrations. It is highly concentrated in phagocytes and fibroblasts. Phagocytes subsequently transport it to the site of infection. Its release from phagocytes is gradual, but it is enhanced by exposure to the bacterium. Fibroblasts act as reservoirs of azithromycin, releasing it to phagocytes. The drawback of low circulation concentrations of azithromycin, however, is that breakthrough bacteremia may occur in severely ill persons. Buying Zithromax® Z-pack Azithromycin is a reasonable cost-effective option in many infectious diseases because of rare need for recurring anti-infective if the initial one did not help 2, 4. Note: Original "Z-Pak" consists of six capsules prepackaged in a blister card. References
Last updated: January 27, 2012 |