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Azithromycin

Antibiotic, Bacteriostatic, Macrolide antibiotic, Hepatic enzyme inhibitor

Brand Names

Zithromax®

Drug Information

Pharmacology

Macrolide antibiotic – bacteriostatic broad spectrum antibiotic.

Contraindications

General
  • Contraindicated in patients with known sensitivity to this type of drug.
  • Use with caution in patients with liver disease.
  • Use only when benefit outweighs the risk during pregnancy as safety studies have not been done

Adverse Effects

General
  • Can cause vomiting especially with high doses.
  • Liver effects are also possible.
  • Local IV site reactions have occurred.
  • Very long tissue half lives in dogs and cats.

Interactions

Category Interactions
Antacid
  • May reduce the rate of absorption.
Hepatic enzyme inhibitor
  • Metabolism of other cytochrome P-450 metabolized drugs may be altered.
Drug Interactions
Cisapride
  • Should not be used concurrently.
CycloSPORINE
  • Azithromycin may increase blood levels of oral CycloSPORINE.
Sucralfate
  • Sucralfate may decrease efficacy.

Comments

Give on an empty stomach.
After reconstitution, oral solution is stable for 10 days at room temperature. Shake well before use. Do not refrigerate oral solution.
After reconstitution with sterile water for injection, 100 mg/mL injectable solution is stable for 24 hours if stored below 30 degrees C.
If diluted into 250 – 500 mL of D5W, LRS, D5 w 0.3% or 0.45% sodium chloride, solution is stable for 24 hours at room temperature and up to 7 days if refrigerated.
For information regarding compatibility in solution or combination with other drugs, refer to specialized reference material.

Available Forms

Human
  • Oral Tablets – 250 and 600 mg; Zithromax ®. Powder for oral suspension – 20 mg/mL, 40 mg/mL and 1 g. packets; Zithromax ®. Powder for injection – 500 mg/vial; Zithromax ®.
Veterinary – General
  • None