ZOCITH™ 100

Azithromycin is a second-generation macrolide antibiotic (azalide subclass) that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding reversibly to the 50S ribosomal subunit, specifically at the 23S ribosomal RNA. This binding blocks translocation — the movement of the ribosome along the mRNA — preventing elongation of the polypeptide chain and halting bacterial protein production. Unlike bactericidal antibiotics, azithromycin is primarily bacteriostatic at standard doses, though it achieves bactericidal concentrations intracellularly and at sites of infection.

The pharmacokinetic profile of azithromycin is uniquely suited to paediatric therapy. It demonstrates exceptional tissue penetration, achieving intracellular concentrations 10 to 100 times higher than plasma levels, with particularly high concentrations in tonsillar tissue, lung parenchyma, middle ear fluid, and bronchial secretions — precisely the sites of the most common paediatric infections. Its prolonged tissue half-life of 68 hours allows once-daily dosing and enables a uniquely short 3 to 5 day treatment course while maintaining therapeutic tissue concentrations for 7 to 10 days post-completion.

Crucially, azithromycin covers atypical organisms — Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Legionella pneumophila — that are beyond the spectrum of penicillins and cephalosporins. In paediatric community-acquired pneumonia, atypical organisms account for 10 to 40% of cases, making azithromycin a clinically essential agent.

At 100mg per 5ml, ZOCITH™ 100 provides the lower-concentration paediatric suspension suitable for weight-based dosing in children approximately 5 to 15 kg (infants through toddlers).

ZOCITH™ 100 is indicated for paediatric bacterial infections caused by azithromycin-susceptible organisms, particularly where atypical pathogen coverage or short-course therapy is clinically desirable.

Community-Acquired Pneumonia: Primary indication for paediatric outpatient management. Covers both typical organisms (S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae) and atypical organisms (Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae) responsible for a significant proportion of paediatric lower respiratory tract infections. A 5-day azithromycin course is guideline-recommended for mild-moderate paediatric CAP.

Acute Otitis Media: As an alternative to amoxycillin in penicillin-allergic patients, or when initial beta-lactam therapy has failed. A single 3-day azithromycin course provides 10 days of therapeutic middle ear fluid concentrations.

Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis: For Group A streptococcal pharyngitis in penicillin-allergic children. 5-day azithromycin achieves equivalent streptococcal eradication to 10-day penicillin.

Acute Sinusitis: Paediatric bacterial sinusitis where H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis are implicated alongside S. pneumoniae.

Skin Infections: Impetigo and mild cellulitis caused by S. pyogenes and S. aureus, particularly when the convenience of once-daily short-course therapy is a priority for compliance.

Dosage and administration should be as prescribed by a qualified doctor or medical professional. Do not self-medicate. Always follow your physician's instructions regarding dose, frequency and duration of treatment.