Azithral 500 is a prescription antibiotic medicine to treat bacterial infections caused by microorganisms such as bacteria. It has the active component Azithromycin, which effectively treats the following infections:

• Chest infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis
• Mild to moderate skin and soft tissue infections for ex- infection of the hair follicles, or skin infections with swelling
• Infections in your sinuses, ears, throat, or tonsils
• An infection that causes inflammation of the tube that carries urine from the bladder or where your womb joins your vagina

Azithral 500 should be given as a single daily dose. Swallow the tablet with a drink of water, and you can take it before or after consuming food. Discuss with your doctor for an appropriate dosing regimen. In general, the dose depends on the patient's condition and the severity of the problem. If you take more tablets than the prescribed amount, please talk to your doctor immediately. An overdose may lead to severe nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, and reversible hearing loss. If you miss taking a tablet, take one as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose.  

You should not take Azithromycin if you have a history of allergies to Azithromycin formulation or any other antibiotic. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include skin rash or wheezing. Speak to your doctor before taking Azithral 500 if any of the following applies to you:

• Severe kidney problems
• Localised muscle weakness, often referred to as myasthenia gravis
• Liver problems
• Neurological disease, a disease associated with brain and nerve system
• Mental or behavioural problems
• Are taking medicines such as ergotamine to treat migraine. Azithromycin is not recommended if you are already using ergot alkaloids.

Since Azithral may increase your risk of abnormal heart rhythm, you should let your doctor know if you have the following conditions:

• Prolonged QT interval, a heart condition
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood

If you develop severe and persistent diarrhoea during or after treatment, especially if you see blood in your mucus, inform your doctor right away. 

Azithromycin can cause side effects; however, not everybody gets side effects. {If the following happens, discontinue treatment, and talk to your doctor.

• A severe skin reaction causing blisters, bleeding of lips, nose, eyes, mouth, and genitals
• Yellowing of skin, tiredness, and loss of appetite which may be caused by inflammation of the liver

Common side effects associated with Azithral 250 tablets are diarrhoea, feeling sick, flatulence, abdominal pain, headache, joint pain, tiredness, itching, indigestion, deafness, dizziness, and visual disturbances. If you get any side effects, discuss them with your doctor. Your doctor may recommend temporary treatment discontinuation or prescribe an alternative treatment for your condition.