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