Antimicrobials
Azithromycin

Azithromycin

Medium
Moderate

Spectrum of Activity

Dosing

General Information

  • Community acquired pneumonia
  • Pertussis
  • Upper respiratory tract infections
  • Chlamidial infections
  • Mycobacterial infections
  • Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) prophylaxis in HIV patients
  • Monitor QTc in patients with increased risk
  • Can exacerbate myasthenia gravis
  • Prolongation of QTc interval. Association with increased cardiovascular mortality in observational studies.
  • Prolonged half life may contribute to macrolide resistance.
  • GI intolerance
  • Other drugs that prolong QTc
  • Increases cyclosporine levels
  • May increase digoxin levels
  • Statins increased risk of rhabdomyolysis

Very high tissue penetration and concentration intracellularly means in vivo activity may not be predicted by in vitro testing - e.g. Salmonella species.

COVID-19:

  • Mechanism: Possible synergistic activity/anti-inflammatory activity
  • Clinical Experience: Possible synergistic with hydroxychloroquine to facilitate viral clearance

Antimicrobial class: Macrolide

Pregnancy category: B

Average serum half life: 68 hours

Urine penetration: Poor

Lung penetration: Therapeutic

CSF penetration: Poor

Biliary penetration: Therapeutic