The medicine “Zi-factor” defines the instructions for use as a bacteriostatic antibiotic belonging to the group of azrolide macrolides. The drug has an extensive spectrum of antimicrobial effects. The mechanism of activity is associated with the suppression of protein synthesis in microbial cells, which slows down the growth and reproduction of bacteria. The antibiotic “Zi-factor”, which is often positive about patients and specialists, is effective against intracellular and extracellular gram-negative and gram-positive, as well as some anaerobic organisms. Meanwhile, pathogens may initially be resistant to the drug or acquire this resistance in the process of using the drug.
Pharmacokinetic properties
The active component of the drug "Zi-factor" instructions for use calls azithromycin. It is perfectly absorbed, distributed quickly in the body. After a single dose of 500 milligrams, the bioavailability is 37 percent, after two to three hours the highest concentration in the plasma is created - 0.4 milligrams per liter. The Zi-factor drug penetrates cell membranes and is transported by phagocytes to the site of infection, where it is released in the presence of the pathogen. The medication easily passes histohematological barriers. In tissues and cells, the concentration is ten to fifty times higher than that observed in plasma, while at the same time in the foci of infection it is on average 24-34 percent higher than in healthy tissues. Once in the liver, the drug is demethylated, while losing activity. After taking azithromycin in therapeutic concentration, it remains in the body for five to seven days, excreted mainly in unchanged form by the intestines (50 percent) and the kidneys (6 percent).
Indications for appointment
The drug is effective in infectious and inflammatory diseases caused by susceptible microorganisms to the drug. So, the Zi-factor medicine is used for sinusitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, otitis media, pharyngitis and other pathologies of ENT organs and upper respiratory tract. Prescribe a medicine for diseases of the lower respiratory tract: bronchitis, pneumonia, including those caused by atypical pathogens. To use the medicine “Zi-factor”, the instruction for use recommends for infections of soft tissues, skin: dermatoses, erysipelas, impetigo; urinary tract infections: cervicitis, urethritis.
Release form
The drug is produced in the form of tablets and capsules. Zi-factor tablets are biconvex, oblong, covered with a light pink shell. Three pieces are packaged in cell packages. Capsules of white color, hard, gelatin; contents - a mixture of powder and granules. Packed in 6 or 10 pieces in cell blisters.
Structure
In one tablet, the active ingredient - azithromycin (in the form of dihydrate) - is present in an amount of 500 milligrams, and in one capsule - 250 milligrams. As auxiliary components in the composition of the tablets, povidone, magnesium stearate, calcium phosphate dihydrate, sodium lauryl sulfate, crospovidone, talc, titanium dioxide, red acid dye, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polysorbate are used. The secondary substances in the capsule form are corn starch, sodium lauryl sulfate, methyl parahydroxybenzoate, milk sugar, acetic acid, lactopress, aerosil, magnesium stearate, povidone, titanium dioxide, gelatin and propyl parahydroxybenzoate.
Features of application, dosage
The medicine should be taken orally once a day, one hour before a meal or two hours after. In case of infections of the respiratory tract, ENT organs, soft tissues and skin, a daily dose of 500 mg is prescribed, therapy continues for three days. The course of treatment for erythema migrans is as follows: take 1000 mg on the first day, and 500 mg daily from the second to fifth day. With uncomplicated cervicitis or urethritis, 1000 mg of the drug should be taken once. Patients suffering from mild renal impairment do not require dose adjustment.
Side effects Reviews
Regarding the occurrence of negative reactions after taking the medication "Zi-factor", the reviews are different. Quite often, patients complain of diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, indigestion, drowsiness. Some patients report side effects such as dizziness, cramps, headaches. In rare cases, hyperactivity, nervousness, tinnitus, hearing problems, impaired perception of smell and taste are observed. In the instructions for use, possible side effects also include paresthesia, asthenia, anorexia, pseudomembranous colitis, liver necrosis, arrhythmia, thrombocytopenia, nephritis, neutropenia, vaginitis, arthralgia, photosensitivity, angioedema, hepatitis, toxic epidermal necrolysis, toxic epidermal necrolysis . Individual patients indicate the occurrence of aggressiveness and anxiety after using the Zi-factor drug. Reviews, among other things, contain information that the medicine can provoke a change in the color of the tongue, constipation, skin rashes and itching.
Contraindications
It is forbidden to use the medication for people with hypersensitivity to macrolides, with severe violations of the kidneys / liver. The drug "Zi-factor" for children under twelve years of age is not prescribed. Also, the drug should not be taken for women during the lactation period, simultaneously with dihydroergotamine and ergotamine, patients with lactase deficiency, genetic galactose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption. With caution, a medication is prescribed for people suffering from moderate impairment of the kidney / liver, arrhythmia or predisposition to it. In pregnancy, the medicine is used only when the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the likely risk to the development of the fetus.
Overdose
Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting can develop if taken in excessive doses of the Zi-factor drug. Reviews of individual people indicate the appearance of a symptom such as temporary hearing loss. In case of an overdose, symptomatic therapy is prescribed.
Interaction with other medicines
Antacids reduce plasma concentrations of azithromycin by 30 percent, so the Zi-factor medication should be taken at least an hour before or two hours after using these drugs and food. Azithromycin does not affect the plasma concentration of didanosine, methylprednisolone, carbamazepine, rifabutin when used together. However, its effect on the concentration of cimetidine, indinavir, triazolam, fluconazole, midazolam, efavirenza, trimethoprim cannot be ruled out. If it is necessary to use the Zi-factor medicine simultaneously with cyclosporine or digoxin, then the plasma content of the latter should be monitored, and when combined with warfarin, it is recommended that prothrombin time be carefully monitored. The simultaneous use of azithromycin and terfenadine can lead to arrhythmias, as well as to prolong the QT interval.
special instructions
In the event that the patient forgot to drink the medicine, it is necessary to take the missed dose as soon as possible, and the subsequent ones with an interval of 24 hours. In the treatment with azithromycin, as in the implementation of any antibiotic therapy, there is a risk of joining superinfection, including fungal infection. Penicillin is usually prescribed to treat tonsillitis and pharyngitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, and to prevent rheumatic fever. It should be noted that azithromycin is effective against streptococcal infection, however, it is not suitable for the prevention of rheumatic fever.
The medicine "Z-factor." Analogs
It must be said right away that the Zi-factor is not an original drug. This is the domestic generic of the drug "Sumamed", developed in 1980 by specialists of the Croatian pharmaceutical company "Pliva". To date, there are numerous analogues of Sumamed on sale: along with the Zi-factor drug, they include such drugs as Azitrox, Hemomycin, Azicide, Sumatrolide Solutab, Zitrolide, Azivok ”,“ Safotsid ”,“ Azitral ”,“ Sumamox ”,“ Sumametsin ”and others. So is there any difference in what to take: generic “Z-factor” or “Sumamed”, which is the original drug? There is no definite answer to this question. According to the pharmacological properties of these drugs are identical, the difference is only in the manufacturer and price. However, many patients believe that the analogue is by definition worse than the original, since no clinical trials and trials are conducted during its production. If you focus on the price, it is better to purchase the “Zi-factor” product: the price of six capsules averages 171-187 rubles, while for six capsules of “Sumamed” you will have to pay 448-530 rubles.
Patient opinions on the drug "Zi-factor"
Reviews of people about the drug are mostly good. Most of those who have ever used the medicine, among its advantages, note high efficiency at a relatively low price. Patients indicate that the drug helps especially with angina. The well-being on the next day after taking the drug improves significantly, there is a sore throat, cough, aching joints. Also, the medication effectively eliminates sinusitis: on the second day of treatment, nasal congestion is eliminated, headaches cease. Meanwhile, not all reviews are so positive. Some people talk about the development of severe digestive upset while taking Zi-factor. Some patients note that after taking the capsules / tablets they began to feel unwell: symptoms such as nervousness, lack of air, palpitations, anxiety, and a sense of fear appeared. In such situations, the drug should be stopped and seek help from a specialist.
Additional Information
The medicine "Zi-factor" from pharmacies is available on prescription. The drug does not affect the ability to drive mechanisms and vehicles. The shelf life from the moment of release is two years, the medicine should be stored out of the reach of children and protected from sunlight at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees Celsius.