Dosage and Administration:

Mild to moderate acute bacterial exacerbation of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, pharyngitis/tonsillitis, and uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections (>15 years of age) 500 mg once daily for 3 to 5 days. Sexually transmitted diseases including urethritis and cervicitis due to C.trachomatis and N.gonorrhoeae, give a single 1 g dose (2 x 500 mg tablets).

Most side effects are mild to moderate in severity. Diarrhea/loose stools (5%) nausea and abdominal pain (3%) are commonly reported. The following adverse reactions occurred in <1% of patients. Cardiovascular palpitations; chest pain QTc prolongation and Torsades de Pointes GI dyspepsia; flatulence, vomiting, melena, cholestatic, jaundice.

Safety Advice: Hypersensitivity to Azithromycin, erythromycin, or any macrolide antibiotic.

Precautions: Azithromycin is eliminated via the liver, henceforth, caution needs to be taken in patients with impaired hepatic function.

Pregnancy: Use during pregnancy is only after evaluating the risk-benefit ratio.

Lactation: Exercise caution when administering to a nursing woman.

Drug Interactions: Aluminium and magnesium-containing antacids reduce the peak serum levels but not to the extent of Azithromycin absorption. Concurrent use of macrolides and theophylline has been associated with an increase in serum concentrations of theophylline. Concurrent use of macrolides and warfarin has been associated with increased anticoagulant effects. Drug interactions between macrolides and terfenadine have been reported, so it is advisable to avoid co-administration of Azithromycin and terfenadine.