Antimicrobials
Azithromycin

Azithromycin

Medium
Moderate
$

Spectrum of Activity

General Information

  • Urethritis/cervicitis: Chlamydia and gonorrhea (in combination with 3rd gen cephalosporin)
  • Pertussis
  • Nontuberculous mycobacteria*: prophylaxis (advanced HIV infection) and treatment (in combination with other medications)
  • Bartonella infections
  • Legionella infections
  • Pre-caesarean section prophylaxis

Alternative:

  • Bacterial COPD exacerbation
  • Acute otitis media
  • Bacterial conjunctivitis
  • Mild community acquired pneumonia
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (in combination)
  • Salmonella, Shigella, traveler’s diarrhea

Should not be used as monotherapy in individuals with nontuberculous mycobacteria

  • Prolonged QTc interval and Torsades de Pointes
  • Potential for drug-drug interactions
  • Prolongation of QTc interval: association with increased risk of sudden cardiac death
  • Diarrhea (5%)
  • Rare cytopenias
  • Increased liver enzymes
  • Hearing loss

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

Antimicrobial class: Macrolide

Pregnancy category: B

Average serum half life: 68 hours

Biliary penetration: Therapeutic

CSF penetration: Poor

Lung penetration: Therapeutic

Urine penetration: Poor