What is Azithromycin

What is Azithromycin

Uses of Azithromycin

Azithromycin is commonly prescribed for:

1. Respiratory Tract Infections

  • Acute bacterial sinusitis

  • Pharyngitis/tonsillitis

  • Bronchitis

  • Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)

2. Ear Infections

  • Acute otitis media, especially in children

3. Skin and Soft Tissue Infections

4. Sexually Transmitted Infections

  • Chlamydia trachomatis

  • Non-gonococcal urethritis/cervicitis

  • Sometimes used in combination for gonorrhea

5. Mycobacterial Infections

  • Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) in HIV-positive individuals (prophylaxis and treatment)

6. Traveler’s Diarrhea

  • Caused by E. coli, Shigella, or Campylobacter

7. Helicobacter pylori Infection

  • Used in combination regimens for peptic ulcer disease


💊 Dosage of Azithromycin

Dosage depends on the indication, patient age, and formulation (tablet, suspension, or IV):

What is Azithromycin

What is Azithromycin
What is Azithromycin

Adults:

Indication Dose Regimen
Community-acquired pneumonia 500 mg on Day 1, then 250 mg once daily on Days 2–5
Chlamydia (uncomplicated) Single dose: 1 g (1000 mg) orally once
Sinusitis 500 mg once daily for 3 days
Skin/soft tissue infections 500 mg on Day 1, then 250 mg for 4 days
MAC prophylaxis (HIV) 1200 mg once weekly
Traveler’s diarrhea 1000 mg single dose or 500 mg daily for 1–3 days

Children (usually by weight):

  • Otitis media / pneumonia:

    • 10 mg/kg on Day 1, then 5 mg/kg on Days 2–5

    • OR 10 mg/kg once daily for 3 days

  • Max daily dose typically not to exceed 500 mg

Leave a Comment