RESPAZIT is indicated for infections (caused by susceptible organisms) in lower respiratory tract including bronchitis and pneumonia, in upper respiratory tract including sinusitis and pharyngitis/tonsillitis, in otitis media, and in skin and soft tissue infections.
In sexually transmitted diseases of men and women, RESPAZIT is indicated in the treatment of non-gonococcal urethritis and cervicitis due to Chlamydia trachomatis. 

RESPAZIT (Azithromycin) is an azalide antibiotic, subclass of the macrolide class of antibiotics. RESPAZIT (Azithromycin) acts by binding to the 50s ribosomal subunit of susceptible organisms and thus interferes with microbial protein synthesis. RESPAZIT demonstrates activity in vitro, against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria including: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A) and  other Streptococcus species; Haemophilus influenzae and parainfluenzae; Moraxella catarrhalis; anaerobes including Bacteroides fragilis, Escherichia coli, Bordetella pertussis, Bordetella parapertussis, Borrella burgdorferi, Haemophilus ducreyi, Neisseria gonorrhoea and Chlamydia trachomatis. RESPAZIT also demonstrates activity in vitro against Legionella pneumophila, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and hominis; Campylobacter spp., Toxoplasma gondii and Treponema pallidum.

RESPAZIT Capsule & Suspension should be taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meal. RESPAZIT tablet can be taken with or without food. 
Adults : For lower respiratory tract infections including bronchitis and pneumonia, upper respiratory tract infections including sinusitis and pharyngitis/tonsillitis, otitis media and skin and soft tissue infections, the total dose of RESPAZIT is 1.5 gm given as 500 mg once daily for 3 days, an alternative to this dosage schedule is that 500 mg once daily on day 1, followed by 250 mg once daily for next 4 days.
For sexually transmitted diseases caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, the dose of RESPAZIT is 1 gm given as a single dose. Alternatively, 500 mg once daily on day 1, followed by 250 mg once daily for next 2 days may also be given.
Use in the elderly : Normal adult dose is recommended.
Children : The dose of RESPAZIT in children over 6 months of age is 10 mg/kg body weight once daily for 3 days. Alternatively, 10mg/kg on day 1, followed by 5 mg/kg for next 4 days is also recommended. There is no information on use of Azithromycin on children under 6 months of age. For children with body weight 15-25 kg (3-7 years), the dose is 200 mg once daily for 3 days; for body weight 26-35 kg (8-11 years), the dose is 300 mg once daily for 3 days; for body weight 36-45 kg (12-14 years), the dose is 400 mg once daily for 3 days.
For body weight over 45 kg, normal adult dose is recommended.

Antacids : Peak serum levels but not the total extent of absorption are reduced by aluminium and magnesium containing antacids in the stomach. Azithromycin should therefore be taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking these antacids. Ergot derivatives: because of the theoretical possibility of ergotism, concomitant administration of ergot derivatives and azithromycin should be avoided. Digoxin & Cyclosporin: Macrolides have been known to increase the plasma concentration of digoxin & cyclosporin, so caution should  be exercised while co-administration is necessary.

Azithromycin is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to azithromycin or any of the macrolide antibiotics. Because of the theoretical possibility of ergotism, azithromycin and ergot derivatives should not be co-administered. As liver is the principal route of excretion of azithromycin it should not be used in patients with hepatic disease. Avoid concomitant administration with terfenadine or astemizole. Precaution should be taken in patients with more severe  renal impairment.

RESPAZIT is well tolerated with a low incidence of side effect. The side effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort (pain/cramps), flatulence, diarrhoea, headache, dizziness, and skin rashes and are reversible upon discontinuation of therapy.

Recent clinical studies have recommended that azithromycin should be considered for the initial treatment of Chlamydial cervicitis in pregnancy. In other infections, azithromycin should be used only when clearly needed. It is not known whether azithromycin is excreted in breast milk. Exercise caution when administering to nursing women.