Azithromycin

What it’s used for

Azithromycin is a macrolide antibacterial drug indicated for the treatment of patients with mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms in the specific conditions listed below. Recommended dosages and durations of therapy in adult and pediatric patient populations vary in these indications.

How to take it

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • Adult Patients ( ) Infection Recommended Dose/Duration of Therapy Community-acquired pneumonia (mild severity) Pharyngitis/tonsillitis (second-line therapy) Skin/skin structure (uncomplicated) 500 mg as a single dose on Day 1, followed by 250 mg once daily on Days 2 through 5. Acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (mild to moderate) 500 mg as a single dose on Day 1, followed by 250 mg once daily on Days 2 through 5 or 500 mg once daily for 3 days.

Important warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Serious (including fatal) allergic and skin reactions: Discontinue azithromycin if reaction occurs. () • Hepatotoxicity: Severe, and sometimes fatal, hepatotoxicity has been reported.

Common side effects

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in labeling: • Hypersensitivity [see ] • Hepatotoxicity [see ] • Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis (IHPS) [see ] • QT Prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions (5. 4) ] • Cardiovascular Death [see ] • Clostridioides difficile- Associated Diarrhea (CDAD) [see ] • Exacerbation of Myasthenia Gravis [see ] Most common adverse reactions are diarrhea (5 to 14%), nausea (3 to 18%), abdominal pain (3 to 7%), or vomiting (2 to 7%).

Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS • Nelfinavir: Close monitoring for known adverse reactions of azithromycin, such as liver enzyme abnormalities and hearing impairment, is warranted.

If pregnant or breastfeeding

8.

Forms & strengths

250 MG Oral Capsule · 40 MG/ML Oral Suspension · 500 MG Injection · 600 MG Oral Tablet · 500 MG Oral Tablet · 20 MG/ML Oral Suspension · 250 MG Oral Tablet · 33.3 MG/ML Oral Suspension · 10 MG/ML Ophthalmic Solution · 1000 MG Oral Suspension

Questions to ask your doctor or pharmacist

• Is this the right medicine for my condition, and how long should I take it?
• What side effects should I watch for, and which need urgent attention?
• Does this interact with my other medicines, supplements, or alcohol?
• What should I do if I miss a dose or take too much?