Spectrum: Local Antimicrobial Stewardship, for Lake of the Woods District Hospital

Azithromycin (Zithromax)

C. diff Risk

Medium

Oral Bioavailability

Moderate

Approximate Cost

PO ~$0.25/day
IV ~$5.25/day

Spectrum Of Activity

General Spectrum of Activity

Spectrum Of Activity

Dosing

Adult

Renal

General Information

Common Usage

Common Usage

  • Community acquired pneumonia

  • Pertussis

  • Upper respiratory tract infections

  • Chlamidial infections

  • Mycobacterial infections

  • Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) prophylaxis in HIV patients

Drug Monitoring

Drug Monitoring

Monitor QTc in patients with increased risk

Adverse Effects

Adverse Effects

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

Prolonged half life may contribute to macrolide resistance.

Major Interactions

Major Interactions

  • Other drugs that prolong QTc

  • Increases cyclosporine levels

  • May increase digoxin levels

  • Statins increased risk of rhabdomyolysis

Additional Information

Additional Information

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

Pharmacology

Pharmacology

Antimicrobial class: Macrolide

Pregnancy category: B

Average serum half life: 68 hours

Urine penetration: Poor

Lung penetration: Therapeutic

CSF penetration: Poor

Biliary penetration: Therapeutic