Azithromycin (Zithromax): All You Need To Know

Macrolide antibiotic

Bacteriostatic or bactericidal in susceptible bacteria.

Treatment of LRIs(Lower Respiratory Infections): Acute bacterial exacerbations of COPD due to H. influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, S. pneumoniae; community-acquired pneumonia due to S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae
Treatment of LRIs: Streptococcal pharyngitis and tonsillitis due to Streptococcus pyogenes in those who cannot take penicillins
Treatment of uncomplicated skin infections due to Staphylococcus aureus, S. pyogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae
Treatment of nongonococcal urethritis and cervicitis due to C. trachomatis; treatment of PID
Treatment of acute sinusitis
Treatment of otitis media caused by H. influenzae, M. catarrhalis, S. pneumoniae in children > 6 mo
Treatment of pharyngitis and tonsillitis in children > 2 yr who cannot use first-line therapy
Prevention and treatment of disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) in patients with advanced AIDS
Unlabeled uses: Uncomplicated gonococcal infections caused by N. gonorrhoeae; gonococcal pharyngitis caused by N. gonorrhoeae; chlamydial infections caused by C. trachomatis; prophylaxis after a sexual attack.

Contraindicated with hypersensitivity to azithromycin, erythromycin, or any macrolide antibiotic.
Use cautiously with gonorrhea or syphilis, pseudomembranous colitis, hepatic or renal impairment, lactation.

Tablets—250, 600 mg; powder for injection—500 mg; powder for oral suspension—100 mg/5 mL, 200 mg/5 mL, 1 g/packet

Mild to moderate acute bacterial exacerbations of COPD, pneumonia, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis (as second-line): 500 mg PO single dose on the first day, followed by 250 mg PO daily on days 2–5 for a total dose of 1.5 g or 500 mg/day PO for 3 days.
Nongonococcal urethritis and cervicitis due to C. trachomati: A single 1-g PO dose.
Gonococcal urethritis and cervicitis: A single dose of 2 g PO.
Disseminated MAC infections: For prevention, 1,200 mg PO taken once weekly. For treatment, 600 mg/day PO with etambutol.
Acute sinusitis: 500 mg/day PO for 3 days.

PEDIATRIC PATIENTS

Otitis media: Initially, 10 mg/kg PO as a single dose, then 5 mg/kg on days 2–5 or 30 mg/kg PO as a single dose.
Community-acquired pneumonia: 10 mg/kg PO as a single dose on first day, then 5 mg/kg PO on days 2–5.
Pharyngitis or tonsillitis: 12 mg/kg/day PO on days 1–5.
Acute sinusitis: 10 mg/kg/day PO for 3 days.

CNS: Dizziness, headache, vertigo, somnolence, fatigue
GI: Diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, dyspepsia, flatulence, vomiting, melena, pseudomembranous colitis
Other: Superinfections, angioedema, rash, photosensitivity, vaginitis

Take the full course prescribed. Do not take with antacids. Take with food if GI upset occurs.
You may experience these side effects: Stomach cramping, discomfort, diarrhea; fatigue, headache (medication may help); additional infections in the mouth or vagina (consult with a health care provider for treatment).
Report severe or watery diarrhoea, severe nausea or vomiting, rash or itching, mouth sores, vaginal sores.
Educate patient to take the drug on an empty stomach 1 hr before or 2–3 hr after meals. Food affects the absorption of this drug.

PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING