CAP Inpatient Moderate
Azithromycin

Azithromycin

Spectrum of Activity

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.

Prolongation of QTc interval. Association with increased cardiovascular mortality in observational studies.

Prolonged half life may contribute to macrolide resistance.

  • 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).

Bioavailability: Has low oral bioavailability, measured at less than 40% but it rapidly distributes to tissues and therefore has low serum concentrations but high and persistent tissue concentrations.

Antimicrobial class: Macrolide

Pregnancy category: B

Average serum half life: 68 hours

Urine penetration: Poor

Lung penetration: Therapeutic

CSF penetration: Poor

Biliary penetration: Therapeutic