Azithromycin Express, 500 mg 3 pcs

Indications

Infectious and inflammatory diseases caused by microorganisms sensitive to the drug:

infections of the upper respiratory tract and ENT organs (pharyngitis/tonsillitis, sinusitis, otitis media);
lower respiratory tract infections: acute bronchitis, exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, incl. caused by atypical pathogens;
infections of the skin and soft tissues (erysipelas, impetigo, secondary infected dermatoses);
the initial stage of Lyme disease (borreliosis) – erythema migrans;
urinary tract infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (urethritis, cervicitis).

Pharmacological effect

Pharmacotherapeutic group: antibiotic-azalide

ATX code: J01FA10

Pharmacological properties

Pharmacodynamics

Azithromycin is a broad-spectrum bacteriostatic antibiotic from the macrolide-azalide group. Has a wide spectrum of antimicrobial action. The mechanism of action of azithromycin is associated with the suppression of protein synthesis in microbial cells. By binding to the 50S subunit of the ribosome, it inhibits peptide translocase at the translation stage and suppresses protein synthesis, slowing down the growth and reproduction of bacteria. In high concentrations it has a bactericidal effect.

It is active against a number of gram-positive, gram-negative, anaerobes, intracellular and other microorganisms.

Microorganisms may initially be resistant to the action of the antibiotic or may acquire resistance to it.

Scale of sensitivity of microorganisms to azithromycin

(Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), mg/l):

Microorganisms

MIC, mg/l

Sensitive

Sustainable

Staphylococcus

≤ 1

> 2

Streptococcus

A, B, C, G

≤ 0.25

> 0.5

Streptococcus pneumoniae

≤ 0.25

> 0.5

Haemophilus influenzae

≤ 0.12

> 4

Moraxella catarrhalis

≤ 0.5

> 0.5

Neisseria gonorrhoeae

≤ 0.25

> 0.5

In most cases, sensitive microorganisms

Gram-positive aerobes

Staphylococcus aureus methicillin-sensitive

Streptococcus pneumoniae penicillin-sensitive

Streptococcus pyogenes

Gram-negative aerobes

Haemophilus influenzae

Haemophilus parainfluenzae

Legionella pneumophila

Moraxella catarrhalis

Pasteurella multocida

Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Anaerobes

Clostridium perfringens

Fusobacterium spp.

Prevotella spp.

Porphyriomonas spp.

Other microorganisms

Chlamydia trachomatis

Chlamydia pneumoniae

Chlamydia psittaci

Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Mycoplasma hominis

Mycoplasma genitalium

Borrelia burgdorferi

Microorganisms that can develop resistance to azithromycin

Gram-positive aerobes

Streptococcus pneumoniae penicillin-resistant

Initially resistant microorganisms

Gram-positive aerobes

Enterococcus faecalis

Staphylococci (methicillin-resistant staphylococci exhibit a very high degree of resistance to macrolides).

Gram-positive bacteria resistant to erythromycin.

Anaerobes

Bacteroides fragilis.

Pharmacokinetics

Suction

After oral administration, azithromycin is well absorbed. After a single dose of 500 mg, bioavailability is 37% (the “first pass” effect), the maximum concentration (0.4 mg/l) in the blood is created after 2-3 hours.

Distribution

Azithromycin is rapidly distributed in the body. The apparent volume of distribution is 31.1 l/kg, protein binding is inversely proportional to the concentration in the blood and amounts to 7-50%. Penetrates through cell membranes (effective against infections caused by intracellular pathogens). Transported by phagocytes to the site of infection, where it is released in the presence of bacteria. Easily passes histohematic barriers and enters tissues. Concentration in tissues and cells
10-50 times higher than in plasma, and in the focus of infection – 24-34% more than in healthy tissues.

Metabolism

In the liver it is demethylated, losing activity.

Removal

Azithromycin has a very long half-life – 35-50 hours. The half-life from tissues is much longer. The therapeutic concentration of azithromycin lasts up to 5-7 days after taking the last dose. Azithromycin is excreted mainly unchanged – 50% by the intestines, 6% by the kidneys.

Special instructions

If you miss one dose of Azithromycin EXPRESS, the missed dose should be taken as soon as possible, and subsequent doses should be taken at intervals of 24 hours.

Azithromycin EXPRESS should be taken at least one hour before or two hours after taking antacids.

Azithromycin EXPRESS should be used with caution in patients with mild to moderate liver dysfunction due to the possibility of developing fulminant hepatitis and severe liver failure.

If there are symptoms of liver dysfunction, such as: rapidly increasing asthenia, jaundice, darkening of urine, tendency to bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, therapy with Azithromycin EXPRESS should be stopped and a study of the functional state of the liver should be performed.

In case of impaired renal function: in patients with GFR 10-80 ml/min, no dose adjustment is required; in patients with GFR <10 ml/min, an increase in systemic exposure to azithromycin was observed by 33%. Therapy with the drug should be carried out with caution under monitoring the state of renal function.

As with the use of other antibacterial drugs, during therapy with Azithromycin EXPRESS, patients should be regularly examined for the presence of non-responsive microorganisms and signs of the development of superinfections, including fungal ones.

The drug Azithromycin EXPRESS should not be used in longer courses than indicated in the instructions, since the pharmacokinetic properties of azithromycin allow us to recommend a short and simple dosage regimen.

There is no data on a possible interaction between azithromycin and ergotamine and dihydroergotamine derivatives, but due to the development of ergotism with the simultaneous use of macrolides with ergotamine and dihydroergotamine derivatives, this combination is not recommended.

With long-term use of the drug Azithromycin EXPRESS, the development of pseudomembranous colitis caused by Clostridium difficile, both in the form of mild diarrhea and severe colitis, is possible. If antibiotic-associated diarrhea develops while taking Azithromycin EXPRESS, as well as 2 months after the end of therapy, clostridial pseudomembranous colitis should be excluded. Drugs that inhibit intestinal motility are contraindicated.

When treated with macrolides, including azithromycin, prolongation of cardiac repolarization and QT interval was observed, increasing the risk of developing cardiac arrhythmias, including torsade de pointes.

Caution should be exercised when using the drug Azithromycin EXPRESS: in patients with the presence of proarrhythmogenic factors (especially in elderly patients), including congenital or acquired prolongation of the QT interval; in patients taking antiarrhythmic drugs of classes IA (quinidine, procainamide), III (dofetilide, amiodarone and sotalol), cisapride, terfenadine, antipsychotic drugs (pimozide), antidepressants (citalopram), fluoroquinolones (moxifloxacin and levofloxacin); in patients with water and electrolyte imbalance, especially in the case of hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia; in patients with clinically significant bradycardia, cardiac arrhythmia, or severe heart failure.

The use of Azithromycin EXPRESS may provoke the development of myasthenic syndrome or cause an exacerbation of myasthenia.

As with the use of erythromycin and other macrolides, there have been isolated cases of serious allergic reactions, including angioedema and anaphylaxis (rarely fatal), dermatological reactions, including acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiforme, drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic manifestations (DRESS syndrome) (see section “Side effects”). Some of the reactions were recurrent and required longer monitoring and treatment.

If an allergic reaction develops, the drug should be discontinued and appropriate treatment should be started. It should be borne in mind that after discontinuation of symptomatic therapy, symptoms of an allergic reaction may resume.

Impact on the ability to drive vehicles and machinery

If undesirable effects on the nervous system and organ of vision develop, caution should be exercised when performing actions that require increased concentration and speed of psychomotor reactions.

Active ingredient

Azithromycin

Composition

Composition per tablet:

Active ingredient:

Azithromycin dihydrate – 524.109 mg, equivalent to azithromycin 500.0 mg.

Excipients:

microcrystalline cellulose 101 – 19.891 mg,

microcrystalline cellulose 102 – 310 mg,

crospovidone type A – 99 mg,

sodium saccharinate dihydrate – 39 mg,

aspartame – 39 mg, povidone K30 – 22 mg,

colloidal silicon dioxide (aerosil) – 6.6 mg,

magnesium stearate – 11 mg,

sodium lauryl sulfate – 3.2 mg,

orange flavor – 26 mg.

*contains Orange flavoring: natural flavoring agent 18.49%, maltodextrin 57.0%, gum arabic 24.5%, butylated hydroxyanisole 0.010%.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, it is used only if the expected benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.

WHO recommends azithromycin as the drug of choice for the treatment of chlamydial infection in pregnant women.

Breastfeeding period

During breastfeeding, it is used only if the expected benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the child. If it is necessary to use the drug during breastfeeding, it is recommended to stop breastfeeding.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to azithromycin, erythromycin, other macrolides or ketolides, or other components of the drug; severe liver dysfunction; phenylketonuria; children under 12 years of age weighing less than 45 kg; simultaneous use with ergotamine and dihydroergotamine.

With caution

Myasthenia; mild to moderate liver dysfunction; end-stage renal failure with GFR (glomerular filtration rate) less than 10 ml/min; in patients with the presence of proarrhythmogenic factors (especially in elderly patients): with congenital or acquired prolongation of the QT interval, in patients receiving therapy with antiarrhythmic drugs of classes IA (quinidine, procainamide), III (dofetilide, amiodarone and sotalol), cisapride, terfenadine, antipsychotic drugs (pimozide), antidepressants (citalopram), fluoroquinolones (moxifloxacin and levofloxacin), with disturbances in water and electrolyte balance, especially in the case of hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia, with clinically significant bradycardia, cardiac arrhythmia or severe heart failure; simultaneous use of digoxin, warfarin, cyclosporine.

Side Effects

To determine the frequency of side effects of the drug, the following classification is used: very often (≥ 1/10); often (≥ 1/100 and < 1/10); infrequently
(≥ 1/1000 and < 1/100); rare (≥ 1/10000 and < 1/1000); very rare (< 1/10000); frequency unknown (cannot be determined from available data).

Infectious and parasitic diseases: uncommon – candidiasis, including oral mucosa, vaginal infection, pneumonia, fungal infection, bacterial infection, pharyngitis, gastroenteritis, respiratory diseases, rhinitis; unknown frequency – pseudomembranous colitis.

From the blood and lymphatic system: infrequently – leukopenia, neutropenia, eosinophilia; very rarely – thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia.

From the immune system: infrequently – angioedema, hypersensitivity reaction; unknown frequency – anaphylactic reaction.

From the side of metabolism and nutrition: infrequently – anorexia.

From the nervous system: often – headache; infrequently – dizziness, disturbance of taste, paresthesia, drowsiness, insomnia, nervousness; rarely – agitation; unknown frequency – hypoesthesia, anxiety, aggression, fainting, convulsions, psychomotor hyperactivity, loss of smell, perversion of smell, loss of taste, myasthenia gravis, delirium, hallucinations.

From the side of the organ of vision: infrequently – visual impairment.

From the organ of hearing and labyrinth: infrequently – hearing loss, vertigo; unknown frequency – hearing impairment, including deafness and/or tinnitus.

From the heart: uncommon – palpitations, unknown frequency – increased QT interval on the electrocardiogram, pirouette-type arrhythmia, ventricular tachycardia.

From the side of blood vessels: infrequently – “flushes” of blood to the face; unknown frequency – decreased blood pressure.

From the respiratory system, chest and mediastinal organs: infrequently – shortness of breath, nosebleeds.

From the gastrointestinal tract: very often – diarrhea; often – nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain; uncommon – flatulence, dyspepsia, constipation, gastritis, dysphagia, bloating, dry oral mucosa, belching, ulcers of the oral mucosa, increased secretion of the salivary glands; very rarely – change in tongue color, pancreatitis.

From the liver and biliary tract: infrequently – hepatitis; rarely – impaired liver function, cholestatic jaundice; unknown frequency – liver failure (in rare cases – fatal, mainly due to severe liver dysfunction); liver necrosis, fulminant hepatitis.

From the skin and subcutaneous tissues: uncommon – skin rash, itching, urticaria, dermatitis, dry skin, sweating; rarely – photosensitivity reaction; acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP); unknown frequency – Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiforme, drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic manifestations (DRESS syndrome).

From the musculoskeletal system: uncommon – osteoarthritis, myalgia, back pain, neck pain; unknown frequency – arthralgia.

From the kidneys and urinary tract: infrequently – dysuria, pain in the kidney area; unknown frequency – interstitial nephritis, acute renal failure.

From the reproductive organs and mammary glands: infrequently – metrorrhagia, testicular dysfunction.

Other: infrequently – edema, asthenia, malaise, feeling of fatigue, facial swelling, chest pain, fever, peripheral edema.

Laboratory and instrumental data: often – a decrease in the number of lymphocytes, an increase in the number of eosinophils, an increase in the number of basophils, an increase in the number of monocytes, an increase in the number of neutrophils, a decrease in the concentration of bicarbonates in the blood plasma; infrequently – increased activity of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, increased concentration of bilirubin in the blood plasma, increased concentration of urea in the blood plasma, increased concentration of creatinine in the blood plasma, change in the potassium content in the blood plasma, increased activity of alkaline phosphatase in the blood plasma, increased chloride content in the blood plasma, increased concentration of glucose in the blood, increased platelet count, decreased hematocrit, increased concentration of bicarbonates in plasma blood, changes in sodium content in blood plasma.

Interaction

Antacids

Antacids do not affect the bioavailability of azithromycin, but reduce the maximum blood concentration by 30%, so the drug should be taken at least one hour before or two hours after taking these drugs and eating.

Cetirizine

Concomitant use of azithromycin with cetirizine (20 mg) for 5 days in healthy volunteers did not lead to pharmacokinetic interaction or a significant change in the QT interval.

Didanosine (dideoxyinosine)

The simultaneous use of azithromycin (1200 mg/day) and didanosine (400 mg/day) in 6 HIV-infected patients did not reveal changes in the pharmacokinetic indications of didanosine compared to the placebo group.

Digoxin and colchicine (P-glycoprotein substrates)

Concomitant use of macrolide antibiotics, including azithromycin, with P-glycoprotein substrates, such as digoxin and colchicine, leads to increased concentrations of P-glycoprotein substrate in the blood serum. Thus, with the simultaneous use of azithromycin and digoxin, it is necessary to take into account the possibility of increasing the concentration of digoxin in the blood serum.

Zidovudine

Concomitant use of azithromycin (single dose of 1000 mg and multiple doses of 1200 mg or 600 mg) has a minor effect on the pharmacokinetics, including renal excretion of zidovudine or its glucuronide metabolite. However, the use of azithromycin caused an increase in the concentration of phosphorylated zidovudine, a clinically active metabolite in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The clinical significance of this fact is unclear.

Azithromycin interacts weakly with isoenzymes of the cytochrome P450 system. Azithromycin has not been shown to participate in pharmacokinetic interactions similar to erythromycin and other macrolides. Azithromycin is not an inhibitor or inducer of cytochrome P450 isoenzymes.

Ergot alkaloids

Given the theoretical possibility of ergotism, the simultaneous use of azithromycin with ergot alkaloid derivatives is not recommended.

Pharmacokinetic studies were conducted on the simultaneous use of azithromycin and drugs whose metabolism occurs with the participation of isoenzymes of the cytochrome P450 system.

Atorvastatin

Concomitant use of atorvastatin (10 mg daily) and azithromycin (500 mg daily) did not cause changes in atorvastatin plasma concentrations (based on an HMC-CoA reductase inhibition assay). However, in the post-marketing period, isolated case reports of rhabdomyolysis have been received in patients receiving concomitant azithromycin and statins.

Carbamazepine

Pharmacokinetic studies involving healthy volunteers did not reveal a significant effect on the plasma concentrations of carbamazepine and its active metabolite in patients receiving concomitant azithromycin.

Cimetidine

In pharmacokinetic studies of the effect of a single dose of cimetidine on the pharmacokinetics of azithromycin, no changes in the pharmacokinetics of azithromycin were detected when cimetidine was used 2 hours before azithromycin.

Indirect anticoagulants (coumarin derivatives)

In pharmacokinetic studies, azithromycin did not affect the anticoagulant effect of a single 15 mg dose of warfarin administered to healthy volunteers. Potentiation of the anticoagulant effect has been reported after simultaneous use of azithromycin and indirect anticoagulants (coumarin derivatives). Although a causal relationship has not been established, the need for frequent monitoring of prothrombin time should be considered when using azithromycin in patients receiving indirect oral anticoagulants (coumarin derivatives).

Cyclosporine

In a pharmacokinetic study involving healthy volunteers who took azithromycin (500 mg/day once) orally for 3 days, followed by cyclosporine (10 mg/kg/day once), a significant increase in the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC0-5) of cyclosporine was detected. Caution is advised when using these drugs together. If simultaneous use of these drugs is necessary, it is necessary to monitor the concentration of cyclosporine in the blood plasma and adjust the dose accordingly.

Efavirenz

Concomitant use of azithromycin (600 mg/day once) and efavirenz
(400 mg/day) daily for 7 days did not cause any clinically significant pharmacokinetic interaction.

Fluconazole

Concomitant use of azithromycin (1200 mg once) did not change the pharmacokinetics of fluconazole (800 mg once). The total exposure and half-life of azithromycin did not change with simultaneous use of fluconazole, however, a decrease in Cmax of azithromycin was observed (by 18%), which had no clinical significance.

Indinavir

Concomitant use of azithromycin (1200 mg once) did not cause a statistically significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of indinavir (800 mg three times a day for 5 days).

Methylprednisolone

Azithromycin does not have a significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of methylprednisolone.

Nelfinavir

The simultaneous use of azithromycin (1200 mg) and nelfinavir (750 mg 3 times a day) causes an increase in the equilibrium concentrations of azithromycin in the blood serum. No clinically significant side effects were observed and no dose adjustment of azithromycin was required when used concomitantly with nelfinavir.

Rifabutin
The simultaneous use of azithromycin and rifabutin does not affect the concentration of each drug in the blood serum. Neutropenia has sometimes been observed with simultaneous use of azithromycin and rifabutin. Although neutropenia has been associated with the use of rifabutin, a causal relationship between the use of the combination of azithromycin and rifabutin and neutropenia has not been established.

Sildenafil

When used in healthy volunteers, there was no evidence of the effect of azithromycin (500 mg/day daily for 3 days) on the AUC and Cmax of sildenafil or its main circulating metabolite.

Terfenadine

In pharmacokinetic studies, there was no evidence of interaction between azithromycin and terfenadine. There have been isolated cases reported where the possibility of such an interaction could not be completely excluded, but there was no concrete evidence that such an interaction occurred.

It has been found that the simultaneous use of terfenadine and macrolides can cause arrhythmia and prolongation of the QT interval.

Theophylline

No interaction has been detected between azithromycin and theophylline.

Triazolam/midazolam

No significant changes in pharmacokinetic parameters were detected with simultaneous use of azithromycin with triazolam or midazolam in therapeutic doses.

Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole

Concomitant use of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole with azithromycin did not show a significant effect on Cmax, total exposure or renal excretion of trimethoprim or sulfamethoxazole. Azithromycin serum concentrations were consistent with those found in other studies.

Overdose

Symptoms: nausea, temporary hearing loss, vomiting, diarrhea.

Treatment: symptomatic.

Storage conditions

Store at a temperature not exceeding 25 °C in the original packaging (blister packaging in a pack).
Keep out of the reach of children.

Shelf life

2 years. Do not use after expiration date.

Manufacturer

Pharmstandard-Leksredstva, Russia