Azithromycin Dihydrate
Generic Details
Generic Name
Azithromycin Dihydrate
Other Names
- Azithromycin
Drug Class
- Macrolide Antibiotic
Chemical Formula
C38H72N2O12
Molecular Weight
748.984 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Inhibition of bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit
Indications
- Respiratory tract infections
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Community-acquired pneumonia
- Acute bacterial sinusitis
- Lyme disease
- Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) prophylaxis
Common Dosage Forms
- Tablets
- Suspension
Typical Dosage
- 500 mg once daily for 3 days for most indications
Pediatric Dosage
- Dosing based on weight for children
Geriatric Dosage
- Adjust dosing based on renal function
Side Effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Rash
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to azithromycin or any macrolide antibiotic
Pregnancy Category
- Category B - No evidence of risk in humans
Lactation Safety
- Safe to use while breastfeeding
Drug Interactions
- Warfarin
- Digoxin
- Cyclosporine
- Antacids
Overdose Symptoms
- Severe nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Antidote for Overdose
- Supportive care
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature (15-30°C)
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Well-absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract
- Distribution: Widely distributed in body tissues
- Metabolism: Partially metabolized in the liver
- Excretion: Mainly excreted unchanged in the bile and urine
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney disease
Warnings
- Risk of prolonged QT interval
- C. difficile-associated diarrhea
Others
- It is important not to skip doses and to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed.