Althrocin 500 Mg Tablets

Description

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Althrocin 500 Mg Tablets

Althrocin 500 Mg Tablets contain erythromycin stearate, a macrolide antibiotic used to treat a range of bacterial infections. Erythromycin is effective against many Gram-positive bacteria and atypical organisms and is commonly used as an alternative to penicillin in patients who are allergic to penicillin-type antibiotics. It is used for respiratory tract infections, skin infections, sexually transmitted infections, and other bacterial conditions.

Composition

About the Manufacturer

Althrocin is manufactured by Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited, a well-established Indian pharmaceutical company with decades of experience in antibiotics and other therapeutic areas. Alembic supplies formulations to domestic and international regulated markets.

Mechanism of Action

Erythromycin binds reversibly to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, inhibiting translocation of peptidyl-tRNA. This blocks polypeptide synthesis and results in bacteriostatic action against susceptible organisms. At high concentrations it may be bactericidal. It is active against many Gram-positive cocci, Legionella, Mycoplasma, Chlamydia, and Bordetella pertussis.

Indications

• Upper and lower respiratory tract infections (including community-acquired pneumonia, whooping cough)
• Skin and soft tissue infections
• Sexually transmitted infections (non-gonococcal urethritis, chlamydia)
• Ear infections (otitis media)
• Prophylaxis against rheumatic fever recurrence in penicillin-allergic patients
• Campylobacter enteritis
• Penicillin-allergic alternative for streptococcal and staphylococcal infections

Dosage & Administration

• Adults: 250–500 mg every 6 hours or 500 mg–1 g every 12 hours depending on severity
• Children: 30–50 mg/kg/day in divided doses (specialist guidance required)
• Take on an empty stomach or with food if GI upset occurs; erythromycin stearate is better absorbed without food
• Complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve

Special Populations

• Hepatic impairment: Use with caution; erythromycin is hepatically metabolised; dose reduction may be needed in severe disease
• Renal impairment: No dose adjustment required in mild-to-moderate impairment
• Pregnancy: Generally considered safe; erythromycin base or stearate preferred; avoid estolate form in pregnancy (risk of cholestatic hepatitis)
• Breastfeeding: Passes into breast milk; use with caution
• Elderly: Standard doses; monitor for QT prolongation

Precautions

• Erythromycin can prolong the QT interval; use with caution in patients with known QT prolongation or on other QT-prolonging drugs
• Monitor liver function if used long-term; hepatotoxicity is rare but reported
• Use of antibiotics may promote the growth of resistant organisms; prescribe only for confirmed or strongly suspected bacterial infections
• Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking due to significant drug interaction potential via CYP3A4

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to erythromycin or any macrolide antibiotic
• Concomitant use with ergotamine, dihydroergotamine (risk of ergotism)
• Concomitant use with terfenadine, astemizole, or cisapride (risk of cardiac arrhythmia)
• Pre-existing QT prolongation or significant hypokalaemia

Side Effects

• Very common: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhoea
• Common: Loss of appetite, dyspepsia
• Less common: Reversible hearing loss (at high doses), skin rash, urticaria
• Rare: QT prolongation, hepatotoxicity (cholestatic jaundice), Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhoea

Drug Interactions

• Statins (simvastatin, lovastatin): Erythromycin inhibits CYP3A4, increasing statin levels and risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis; suspend statin during erythromycin course
• Warfarin: May increase anticoagulant effect; monitor INR closely
• Ciclosporin: May increase ciclosporin blood levels; monitor levels
• QT-prolonging drugs (e.g. antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics): Additive QT prolongation risk; avoid combination
• Colchicine: Risk of colchicine toxicity; avoid concomitant use

Storage

Store below 25°C in a dry place, away from light. Keep out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date on the pack.

Related Products

• Azax 500 Mg Tablets – azithromycin macrolide antibiotic
• Ceprox 500 Mg Tablets – ciprofloxacin for bacterial infections
• Ciplox 750 Mg Tablets – ciprofloxacin 750 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Althrocin 500 Mg used for?

Althrocin 500 Mg is used to treat bacterial infections including respiratory infections, skin infections, ear infections, and sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia.

Can I take Althrocin if I am allergic to penicillin?

Yes. Erythromycin is a commonly used penicillin alternative and is not cross-reactive with penicillin allergy. However, always inform your doctor of all known allergies.

How long should I take Althrocin?

The duration depends on your infection type, typically 5–14 days. Always complete the full prescribed course even if you feel better before finishing the tablets.

Can Althrocin cause stomach problems?

Yes. Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort are very common. Taking the tablet with a small amount of food may help, though this may slightly reduce absorption.

Is erythromycin safe in pregnancy?

Erythromycin base or stearate is generally considered safe in pregnancy and is sometimes used to treat chlamydia during pregnancy. Discuss all medications with your doctor or midwife before taking them.

References

1. NHS – Erythromycin
2. MedlinePlus – Erythromycin
3. FDA – Erythromycin Stearate Prescribing Information
4. EMA – Erythromycin Product Information

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Althrocin 500 Mg Tablets should only be taken as prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional. Never self-treat bacterial infections or share antibiotics. If you experience a rash, difficulty breathing, or severe diarrhoea, seek medical attention immediately.

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