Description:

S-Sithro tablets (250mg & 500mg) are generic azithromycin formulations, a macrolide antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It is effective against susceptible organisms causing respiratory tract infections (e.g., bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, pharyngitis/tonsillitis), skin and soft tissue infections, ear infections (otitis media), sexually transmitted infections (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhoea), and other conditions like typhoid fever or traveller’s diarrhoea. Azithromycin works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, leading to bacterial death, with a long half-life allowing once-daily dosing and short courses (e.g., 3-5 days).

Prescription: Prescription-only (Rx). Requires a doctor’s prescription in Ghana due to antibiotic stewardship and resistance concerns; available through pharmacies (e.g., Scab Pharmacy listings for S-Sithro as azithromycin).

Therapeutic Category:

Antibacterial / Macrolide antibiotic ( broad-spectrum for community-acquired and atypical bacterial infections).

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• 250 mg variant: Azithromycin (as azithromycin dihydrate) 250 mg per tablet.
• 500 mg variant: Azithromycin (as azithromycin dihydrate) 500 mg per tablet. Film-coated tablets with standard excipients (e.g., microcrystalline cellulose, starch, magnesium stearate, film-coating agents; refer to label for full list—no additional actives).

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant: 250 mg and 500 mg film-coated tablets (common strengths; 250 mg often for paediatric/adjusted dosing or shorter courses; 500 mg for standard adult regimens; packs typically 3’s, 6’s, or 10’s depending on indication).

Consume Type:

Oral (tablet; swallow whole with water; can be taken with or without food, but avoid antacids/dairy close to dose as they reduce absorption).

Directions/Usage: Adults: Dosage varies by infection (follow doctor’s prescription; standard regimens):

• Most infections (e.g., respiratory, skin): 500 mg on Day 1, then 250 mg once daily on Days 2-5 (total 1.5 g over 5 days), or 500 mg once daily for 3 days.
• Chlamydia: 1 g (2 x 500 mg or 4 x 250 mg) single dose.
• Gonorrhoea (uncomplicated): 2 g single dose (with ceftriaxone per guidelines).
• Typhoid: 500 mg once or twice daily for 7 days. Children: Weight-based (e.g., 10 mg/kg on Day 1, then 5 mg/kg daily for 4 days). Complete full course to prevent resistance; do not exceed recommended dose/duration. Take at same time daily.

Common Side Effects:

• Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain
• Headache, dizziness
• Fatigue
• Rash or itching
• Rare: Liver enzyme elevation, QT prolongation (heart rhythm changes), allergic reactions (severe rash, swelling), Clostridium difficile diarrhoea Most mild; serious effects uncommon with short courses.

Package Type:

Blister packs (e.g., 3 tablets for 3-day course, 6 tablets for 5-day course, or 10’s; foil-aluminium blisters in carton box).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25-30°C), in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep in original packaging. Keep out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Reserve for bacterial infections proven or strongly suspected (not for viral illnesses like common cold/flu).
• Contraindicated in known hypersensitivity to macrolides/azalides, or with drugs prolonging QT interval (e.g., certain antiarrhythmics).
• Caution in severe liver/kidney impairment (dose adjustment), history of QT prolongation, myasthenia gravis (may exacerbate), or elderly.
• Risk of QT prolongation/arrhythmias—monitor in cardiac patients.
• Avoid in pregnancy/breastfeeding unless benefits outweigh risks (Category B).
• Interactions: Antacids/dairy reduce absorption (space 2 hours); warfarin (increased bleeding); digoxin (increased levels).
• Complete course to prevent resistance; report persistent/worsening symptoms or severe diarrhoea (C. diff risk).
• Stop if severe rash, liver symptoms (jaundice), or irregular heartbeat occurs.

Product Substitutes: Other azithromycin 250mg/500mg tablets in Ghana: Zithromax (Pfizer original), Azithro-Denk (Denk Pharma), Azee, Azibest, or generics from importers (e.g., Cipla, Sun Pharma). Alternatives: Clarithromycin, erythromycin, or doxycycline per infection/sensitivity—consult doctor/pharmacist (Ghana guidelines reserve macrolides for specific/resistant cases).

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Indian exporter (common for S-Sithro branded generics in Ghana); marketed/distributed by local pharmacies/importers (e.g., Scab Pharmacy lists S-Sithro Suspension and tablets as azithromycin; no specific manufacturer tied directly, but patterns suggest Indian origin with local branding).

Country of Origin:

India.