Brand Name: Zithromax

Generic Name: Azithromycin

Indications: Upper respiratory tract infection, including streptococcal pharyngitis, acute bacterial
exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and tonsillitis; lower respiratory tract infections,
including bronchitis and pneumonia; acute otitis media; skin ans skin structure
infections; Nongonococcal urethritis, cervbicitis, gonorrhea, and chancroid;
prevention of disseminated Myobacterium avium complex infection in patients with
advanced HIV infection; prevention of bacterial endocarditis.
Drug Classification: Agents for atypical mycobacterium, anti-infectives; macrolides
Mechanism of Action: Inhibits protein sysnthesis at the level of the 50S bacterial ribosome.
Azithromycin a macrolide antibiotic of the azalide subclass, exerts its antibacterial action
by binding to the 50s ribosomal subunits of susceptible bacteria and suppressing protein
synthesis.
Dosage: (Most respiratory and skin infections): Adults – 500 mg on 1st day, then 250 mg/day for 4
more days (total dose of 1.5 g).
Children 2-15 yr – 10 mg/kg (not >500 mg/dose) on 1 st day, then 5 mg/kg (not >250
mg/dose) for 4 more days. Pharyngitis/tonsilitis 12 mg/kg od for 5 days
Special Precautions: Sever liver impairement; severe renal impairement; pregnancy, lactation, and
children <6 mo.
Pregnancy Risk Category: B
Adverse Reactions:
CNS: dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, headache, CV: chest pain, palpitations
GI: Pseudomembranous colitis, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, cholestatic jaundice,
dyspepsia, flatulence, melena
GU: nephritis, vaginitis, Derm: photosensitivity, rashes, Endo: hyperglycemia
F and E: hyperkalemia, Misc: Angioedema
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to azythromycin, erythromycin, or other macrolide anti-
infectives.
Forms:Tablets-250 mg, 500 mg, 600 mg; Capsules-250 mg
Nursing Responsibilities:
 Asses patient for infection (vital signs; appearance of wound, sputum, urine and
stool; WBC)
 Obtain specimens for culture and sensitivity before initiating therapy.
 Observe signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis
 Administer 1 hr before or 2 hr after meals
 Instruct client not to take azithromycin with food or antacids.