✅ Active Ingredient Overview Table:

🔬 Active Ingredient (Generic Name):	Azithromycin
💊 Indication:	Bacterial Infections (Respiratory, Skin, STIs, Otitis Media, Pharyngitis)
🇺🇸 US Brand Equivalent:	Zithromax / Zpack / Zmax
🏭 Manufacturer:	Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd (Founded: 1907)
📦 Packaging:	6 Tablets per Strip
🧪 Strengths:	250 mg, 500 mg
🚚 Delivery Time:	6–15 days

🌿 What is Azithral (Azithromycin)?

Azithral contains Azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic that binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria, inhibiting protein synthesis and halting bacterial growth. Its extended tissue half-life allows once-daily dosing, making it effective for various infections including community-acquired pneumonia, pharyngitis, sinusitis, skin and soft tissue infections, and certain sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia.

Azithral’s pharmacokinetic profile achieves high intracellular concentrations in phagocytes, facilitating delivery to infection sites and prolonged post-antibiotic effects. Such properties enhance patient compliance through short-course regimens.

🧬 Pharmacology & Mechanism of Action

Attribute	Detail
Chemical Formula	C38H72N2O12
Molecular Weight	748.98 g/mol
Mechanism of Action	Binds to the 23S rRNA of the 50S bacterial ribosomal subunit → blocks translocation → inhibits protein synthesis → bacteriostatic at low concentrations and bactericidal at high tissue levels.
Bioavailability	~37% (oral)
Half-Life	~68 hours
Metabolism & Excretion	Minimal hepatic metabolism; primarily excreted unchanged in bile; minor renal excretion

💡 Indications & Dosage Regimens

Condition	Dose & Duration
Community-Acquired Pneumonia (Adults)	• 500 mg once daily for 3 days; or 500 mg on Day 1, then 250 mg once daily on Days 2–5.
Acute Bacterial Sinusitis	• 500 mg once daily for 3 days.
Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis (Streptococcal)	• 500 mg once on Day 1, then 250 mg once daily on Days 2–5.
Uncomplicated Skin & Soft Tissue Infections	• 500 mg once daily for 5 days.
Chlamydia trachomatis Infections (STI)	• 1000 mg as single dose (two 500 mg tablets taken together).
Otitis Media (Children):	• 10 mg/kg once daily for 3 days (max 500 mg/day).

Administration: Swallow tablets whole with water, with or without food.
Missed Dose: Take as soon as remembered unless close to next dose; do not double dose.
Complete Course: Finish full course to prevent resistance even if symptoms resolve early.

⚠️ Warnings & Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting
Headache

Less Common:

Elevated liver enzymes (AST/ALT)
Dizziness, fatigue

Serious (Rare):

QT prolongation → risk arrhythmias (torsades de pointes)
Hepatotoxicity (cholestatic hepatitis)
Clostridioides difficile–associated diarrhea (CDAD)
Severe hypersensitivity (anaphylaxis, angioedema)

Precautions:

Cardiac Risk: Avoid in patients with known QT prolongation or on QT-prolonging medications.
Hepatic Impairment: Dose adjustment or caution in severe liver disease; monitor liver function.
Pediatric Use: Approved for children ≥6 months with weight-based dosing.
Pregnancy & Lactation: Category B; use only if clearly needed; minimal excretion into breast milk.

🩺 Storage Guidelines

Store Azithral tablets at 20–25°C (68–77°F). Protect from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep tablets in original strip until use. Discard expired products. Keep out of reach of children.

🌐 Availability & Purchasing

United States: Prescription required; available as Zithromax (Azithromycin) in 250 mg, 500 mg, and 600 mg tablet forms.
United Kingdom: Prescription-only; generic azithromycin formulations available.
Australia: TGA-approved; azithromycin prescription necessary; generics available.

Importing Azithral from India:
Purchasing Azithral from India provides cost savings. Ensure compliance with local import regulations, maintain a valid prescription, and confirm authenticity using batch certificates to avoid counterfeit products.

🔗 Authoritative Resources

Drugs.com: Azithromycin Monograph

🔗 Related Azithromycin Brands

🎥 Educational Video on Azithromycin Use & Safety

👨‍⚕️ Expert Insight: Dr. Priya Kapoor, Infectious Disease Specialist

“Azithromycin’s unique pharmacokinetics enable short-course regimens with excellent efficacy. Always counsel patients on the importance of completing therapy to avoid resistance, and monitor for QT prolongation in high-risk individuals.”