Azithromycin

Azithromycin (Zithromax)

Category:

Antibiotic

Description:

Macrolide

Indications:

Mild to moderate infections
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
Otitis media
Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Chlamydia
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Contraindications:

None

Precautions:

Pregnancy category B
Counsel patient to finish all medication to prevent development of resistance
Do not use with aluminum or magnesium containing antacids
Do not use with astemizole or cisapride (ventricular arrythmias with macrolides)

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

Hypersensitivity
Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Vaginitis

Dosage:

Administered orally (tablets, powder for oral suspension) or IV
Adult:
- 500mg on day 1 then 250mg qd days 2-5
Chlamydia: 1gm single dose
Gonnorrhea: 2gm single dose
CAP: 500mg IV qd x 2 days then 500mg po for up to 7-10 days total
PID: 500mg IV qd x 2 days then 250mg po for up to 7-10 days total
Child:
- 10mg/kg/day 1 then 5mg/kg/day days 2-5 (usually 100-200mg day 1 then 50-100mg days 2-5)
- For oral suspension: empty stomach, refrigerate, shake well, good for 10 days only

Source: Operational Medicine 2001, Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300