AZITHROMYCIN

Stephen Josh V. Lim BSN 3A

Generic Name AZITHROMYCIN

Brand Name Zithromax, Zmax

Classification ANTIINFECTIVE; MACROLIDE ANTIBIOTIC

General Action A macrolide antibiotic that reversibly binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit of
susceptible organisms and consequently inhibits protein synthesis.
Dose and Route Bacterial Infections
Adult: PO 500 mg on day 1, then 250 mg q24h for 4 more d IV 500 mg
q.d. for at least 2 d, administer 1 mg/mL over 3 h or 2 mg/mL over 1 h
Child: PO 6 mo, 10 mg/kg on day 1, then 5 mg/kg for 4 more d (max:
250 mg/d)

Acute Bacterial Sinusitis

Adult: PO 500 mg once daily x 3 d. Zmax: single one-time dose of 2 g.
Child: PO 6 mo, 10 mg/kg once daily x 3 d

Otitis Media
Child: PO >6 mo, 30 mg/kg as a single dose or 10 mg/kg once daily (not to
exceed 500 mg/d) for 3 d or 10 mg/kg as a single dose on day 1 followed
by 5 mg/kg/d on days 2–5

Gonorrhea
Adult: PO 2 g as a single dose

Chancroid
Adult: PO 1 g as a single dose
Child: PO 20 mg/kg as single dose (max: 1 g)
Indications or Pneumonia, lower respiratory tract infections, pharyngitis/tonsillitis,
Purposes gonorrhea, nongonococcal urethritis, skin and skin structure infections due
to susceptible organisms, otitis media, Mycobacterium avium–
intracellulare complex infections, acute bacterial sinusitis. Zmax: acute
bacterial sinusitis and community acquired pneumonia.
Side effects CNS: Headache, dizziness.
GI: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain; hepatotoxicity, mild
elevations in liver function tests.
Contraindications Hypersensitivity to azithromycin, erythromycin, or any of the macrolide
antibiotics.
Nursing Assessment & Drug Effects
Responsibilities
 Monitor for and report loose stools or diarrhea, since
pseudomembranous colitis (see Appendix F) must be ruled out.
 Monitor PT and INR closely with concurrent warfarin use.

Patient & Family Education

 Direct sunlight (UV) exposure should be minimized during therapy

with drug.
 Take aluminum or magnesium antacids 2 h before or after drug.
 Report onset of loose stools or diarrhea.
 Do not breast feed while taking this drug without consulting
physician.