1.What is azithromycin?
Azithromycin is an antibiotic that is used for treating bacterial infections commonly. The antibiotic belongs to the macrolides class of antibiotics.
Azithromycin was discovered in 1980 and because of its efficacy, it quickly made to the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines. 2021 marks thirty years of FDA approval of this antibiotic.
1.1.Definition
Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that is used to treat infections of the middle ear, throat, intestine, and certain other infections. Apart from being used as an antibiotic, it is used for treating conditions like malaria as well.
1.2.Chemical & Physical features of Azithromycin API
IUPAC name: (2R,3S,4R,5R,8R,10R,11R,12S,13S,14R)-11-[(2S,3R,4S,6R)-4-(dimethylamino)-3-hydroxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl]oxy-2-ethyl-3,4,10-trihydroxy-13-[(2R,4R,5S,6S)-5-hydroxy-4-methoxy-4,6-dimethyloxan-2-yl]oxy-3,5,6,8,10,12,14-heptamethyl-1-oxa-6-azacyclopentadecan-15-one;dihydrate
Synonyms: CP-62993, J2KLZ20U1M, CHEBI: 2955, Azitromax, Azitro, Azithromycin (hydrate), Vinzam, AZITHROMYCIN DIHYDRATE
CAS: 117772-70-0
Molecular formula: C38H76N2O14
Molecular weight: 785.0
Form: Amorphous solid
Solubility: Ethanol, DMSO
1.3.Brand names
AZOM, AZOMAX, AZOM, AZOLIB
2.Azithromycin forms and specifications
2.1.Azithromycin API powders
Azithromycin API powders are used for inhibiting bacterial growth. These powders are available in white or almost white crystalline powder form. Their shelf life is as much as two years.
2.2.Azithromycin Dihydrate API powders
Azithromycin dehydrate is an orally bioavailable azalide that is derived from erythromycin. Once this dehydrated form of azithromycin is ingested, it binds to the 23S rRNA of the 50S ribosomal subunit of the bacterial ribosome. This reversible binding leads to inhibition of the translocation step of protein synthesis. In this manner, bacterial growth is inhibited, which helps in fighting bacterial infections.
2.3.Azithromycin Lactobionate for Injection
As evident from the name, this injection contains lactose and azithromycin, which happen to be the key ingredients of this injection as well. Common uses of this semi-synthetic macrolide injection include using it for treating middle ear infection, tonsillitis, laryngitis pneumonia, and certain other infections.
2.4.Azithromycin for injection
ZITHROMAX is one of the popular options for anyone who is in search of azithromycin for injection. It is available in a lyophilized form, normally in a 10 mL vial. Along with the API, azithromycin injections also contain sodium hydroxide and 413.6 mg citric acid. Apart from treating a variety of bacterial infections, this injection is used for preventing MAC disease as well.
2.5.Azithromycin tablets
Each azithromycin tablet contains azithromycin dehydrate that is equal to 250/500 mg of azithromycin. These tablets are extremely effective in fighting infections of the skin, soft tissues, and certain other bacterial infections. Normally these tablets are given in a three-day dose pack.
2.6.Azithromycin capsules
These are available for oral administration only.
3.Azithromycin Mechanism of action
Azithromycin works by inhibiting bacterial growth. The macrolide antibiotic achieves this goal by binding to the 23S rRNA of the bacterial 50S ribosomal unit. Once that happens, the translocation step that is crucial to the process of bacterial protein synthesis gets inhibited. This inhibition leads to better control of the bacterial infection that otherwise threatens to multiply in terms of number and effect both. This broad-spectrum antibiotic activity makes azithromycin a suitable choice for treating several bacterial infections, some of which have been mentioned already in this discussion.
4.Azithromycin manufacturing process
A recap of the manufacturing process of azithromycin is in order at this point in the discussion. The process includes n-methylation of azaerythomycin in isopropanol. The reaction takes place in the presence of a methylating agent and is stopped by using an aqueous base. Once the reaction stops, the organic layer is separated. It is allowed to cool down slowly, this leads to the precipitation of azithromycin. The monohydrate form is then treated further for obtaining the dehydrated form which is the active pharmaceutical ingredient in azithromycin capsules, tablets, injections, etc.
5.Azithromycin uses
5.1.Azithromycin for UTI
Azithromycin doesn’t have the nod of approval from the FDA as far as UTI treatment goes. However, antibiotics like amoxicillin can prove super effective in the treatment of UTIs’.
5.2.Azithromycin for chlamydia
Research has established that azithromycin is an extremely effective antibiotic in the treatment of chlamydia. Normally, an azithromycin course for two weeks ought to take care of chlamydia.
5.3.Azithromycin + Hydroxychloroquine for coronavirus
No strong antiviral effects were observed in studies that evaluated the potential of this combination in the treatment of COVID-19.
6.Azithromycin dosage
The recommended normal dosage for azithromycin is 500mg per day. The number of days can vary between 3 to 10 days, the exact number depends on the type of infection. Similarly, the dose can be increased in case of some infections that require 1g or 2g doses. The recommended practice is to take this drug at least one hour before having food. For those adults and children who find swallowing azithromycin too hard, the macrolide antibiotic is available in liquid form as well.
7.Azithromycin side effects
Commonly reported side effects associated with azithromycin include nauseous feelings, loss of appetite, headaches, taste buds affected, and an overall feeling of being tired all the time. These side effects are more likely to be experienced by those who overdose on the drug.
8.Azithromycin API bulk price
The exact price of azithromycin API per KG in USD varies from one country to another, depending upon various trade factors. However, the average price of azithromycin API is around $170.
9.Azithromycin API manufacturers in China
Below are some pharmaceutical ingredients manufacturers in China.
9.1.Hebei Jiupeng Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
This company is one of the leading producers of azithromycin in China. It has been in the business since 1996, and is a well-respected and trusted name in the manufacturing and processing of pharmaceutical-grade intermediates, APIs, and drugs.
9.2.JINGSU WIEQIDA PHARMACEUTICAL CL., LTD
This company specializes in the production of bulk chemicals, biochemical drugs, microbial fermentation products, tablets, injections, capsules, and suspensions. Azithromycin API is one of the main products manufactured by this company.
9.3.Welcome to PharmaSources.com
Craving for more? At pharmasources, you can search for hundreds of suppliers and manufacturers of azithromycin API in China, all of which are producing premium pharmaceutical grade azithromycin, active pharmaceutical agent. Learn more about their modus operandi at pharmasources.
10.FAQ
10.1.What does azithromycin treat?
It is an antibiotic that is used to treat several bacterial infections, some of which include pneumonia, sinus, and skin infections. Apart from these, it is also an effective drug in treating Lyme disease and some STDs.
10.2.How long does it take for azithromycin to work?
It can take a minimum of five days before azithromycin shows its magic. However, the relief is gradual and can be felt on the very first day you pop an azithromycin tablet or capsule.
References
https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1527-2223/azithromycin-oral/azithromycin-600-mg-oral/details
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Azithromycin#section=Methods-of-Manufacturing
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325721
https://www.medscape.com/answers/2500122-197488/what-is-the-status-of-azithromycin-in-the-treatment-of-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19
https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/azithromycin/
https://www.pharmacompass.com/price/azithromycin-dihydrate
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