Azithromycin Oral Suspension

See also How to Use section.Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.Some products that may interact with this drug include: live bacterial vaccines.Although most antibiotics probably do not affect hormonal birth control such as pills, patch, or ring, some antibiotics may decrease their effectiveness. This could cause pregnancy. Examples include rifamycins such as rifampin or rifabutin. Be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist if you should use additional reliable birth control methods while using this antibiotic.Many drugs besides azithromycin may affect the heart rhythm (QT prolongation), including amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, dronedarone, ibutilide, pimozide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, among others.

Adult Patients

[see Indications and Usage (1.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]

Infection*	Recommended Dose/Duration of Therapy
Community-acquired pneumonia Pharyngitis/tonsillitis (second-line therapy) Skin/skin structure (uncomplicated)	500 mg as a single dose on Day 1, followed by 250 mg once daily on Days 2 through 5
Acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease	500 mg once daily for 3 days OR 500 mg as a single dose on Day 1, followed by 250 mg once daily on Days 2 through 5
Acute bacterial sinusitis	500 mg-once daily for 3 days
Genital ulcer disease (chancroid)	One single 1 gram dose
Non-gonococcal urethritis and cervicitis	One single 1 gram dose
Gonococcal urethritis and cervicitis	One single 2 gram dose
*DUE TO THE INDICATED ORGANISMS [see Indications and Usage (1.1)]

Azithromycin tablets can be taken with or without food.

Pediatric Patients1

Infection*	Recommended Dose/Duration of Therapy
Acute otitis media	30 mg/kg as a single dose or 10 mg/kg once daily for 3 days or 10 mg/kg as a single dose on Day 1 followed by 5 mg/kg/day on Days 2 through 5.
Acute bacterial sinusitis	10 mg/kg once daily for 3 days.
Community-acquired pneumonia	10 mg/kg as a single dose on Day 1 followed by 5 mg/kg once daily on Days 2 through 5.
Pharyngitis/tonsillitis	12 mg/kg once daily for 5 days.
*DUE TO THE INDICATED ORGANISMS [see Indications and Usage (1.2)] 1 see dosing tables below for maximum doses evaluated by indication

Azithromycin for oral suspension can be taken with or without food.

PEDIATRIC DOSAGE GUIDELINES FOR OTITIS MEDIA, ACUTE BACTERIAL SINUSITIS, AND COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED PNEUMONIA (Age 6 months and above, [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)]) Based on Body Weight
OTITIS MEDIA AND COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED PNEUMONIA: (5 Day Regimen)*
Dosing Calculated on 10 mg/kg/day Day 1 and 5 mg/kg/day Days 2 to 5.
Weight		100 mg/5 mL		200 mg/5 mL		Total mL per Treatment Course	Total mg per Treatment Course
Kg	Lbs.	Day 1	Days 2 to 5	Day 1	Days 2 to 5
5	11	2.5 mL; (½ tsp)	1.25 mL; (¼ tsp)			7.5 mL	150 mg
10	22	5 mL; (1 tsp)	2.5 mL; (½ tsp)			15 mL	300 mg
20	44			5 mL; (1 tsp)	2.5 mL; (½ tsp)	15 mL	600 mg
30	66			7.5 mL; (1½ tsp)	3.75 mL; (¾ tsp)	22.5 mL	900 mg
40	88			10 mL; (2 tsp)	5 mL; (1 tsp)	30 mL	1200 mg
50 and above	110 and above			12.5 mL; (2½ tsp)	6.25 mL; (1¼ tsp)	37.5 mL	1500 mg

* Effectiveness of the 3 day or 1 day regimen in pediatric patients with community-acquired pneumonia has not been established.

OTITIS MEDIA AND ACUTE BACTERIAL SINUSITIS: (3 Day Regimen)*
Dosing Calculated on 10 mg/kg/day.
Weight		100 mg/5 mL	200 mg/5 mL	Total mL per Treatment Course	Total mg per Treatment Course
Kg	Lbs.	Days 1 to 3	Days 1 to 3
5	11	2.5 mL; (½ tsp)		7.5 mL	150 mg
10	22	5 mL; (1 tsp)		15 mL	300 mg
20	44		5 mL (1 tsp)	15 mL	600 mg
30	66		7.5 mL (1½ tsp)	22.5 mL	900 mg
40	88		10 mL (2 tsp)	30 mL	1200 mg
50 and above	110 and above		12.5 mL (2½ tsp)	37.5 mL	1500 mg

*Effectiveness of the 5 day or 1 day regimen in pediatric patients with acute bacterial sinusitis has not been established.

OTITIS MEDIA: (1 Day Regimen)
Dosing Calculated on 30 mg/kg as a single dose.
Weight		200 mg/5 mL	Total mL per Treatment Course	Total mg per Treatment Course
Kg	Lbs.	1 Day Regimen
5	11	3.75 mL; (¾ tsp)	3.75 mL	150 mg
10	22	7.5 mL; (1½ tsp)	7.5 mL	300 mg
20	44	15 mL; (3 tsp)	15 mL	600 mg
30	66	22.5 mL; (4½ tsp)	22.5 mL	900 mg
40	88	30 mL; (6 tsp)	30 mL	1200 mg
50 and above	110 and above	37.5 mL; (7½ tsp)	37.5 mL	1500 mg

The safety of re-dosing azithromycin in pediatric patients who vomit after receiving 30 mg/kg as a single dose has not been established. In clinical studies involving 487 patients with acute otitis media given a single 30 mg/kg dose of azithromycin, 8 patients who vomited within 30 minutes of dosing were re-dosed at the same total dose.

Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis: The recommended dose of azithromycin for children with pharyngitis/tonsillitis is 12 mg/kg once daily for 5 days. (See chart below.)

PEDIATRIC DOSAGE GUIDELINES FOR PHARYNGITIS/TONSILLITIS (Age 2 years and above, [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)]) Based on Body Weight
PHARYNGITIS/TONSILLITIS: (5 Day Regimen)
Dosing Calculated on 12 mg/kg/day for 5 days.
Weight		200 mg/5 mL	Total mL per Treatment Course	Total mg per Treatment Course
Kg	Lbs.	Day 1 to 5
8	18	2.5 mL; (½ tsp)	12.5 mL	500 mg
17	37	5 mL; (1 tsp)	25 mL	1000 mg
25	55	7.5 mL; (1½ tsp)	37.5 mL	1500 mg
33	73	10 mL; (2 tsp)	50 mL	2000 mg
40	88	12.5 mL; (2½ tsp)	62.5 mL	2500 mg

Constituting instructions for azithromycin for oral suspension 300, 600, 900, 1200 mg bottles. The table below indicates the volume of water to be used for constitution:

Amount of water to be added	Total volume after constitution (azithromycin content)	Azithromycin concentration after constitution
9 mL (300 mg)	15 mL (300 mg)	100 mg/5 mL
9 mL (600 mg)	15 mL (600 mg)	200 mg/5 mL
12 mL (900 mg)	22.5 mL (900 mg)	200 mg/5 mL
15 mL (1200 mg)	30 mL (1200 mg)	200 mg/5 mL

Shake well before each use. Oversized bottle provides shake space. Keep tightly closed.

After mixing, store suspension at 5° to 25°C (41° to 77°F) and use within 10 days. Discard after full dosing is completed.

Azithromycin for oral suspension USP after constitution contains a flavored suspension. Azithromycin for oral suspension USP is supplied to provide 100 mg/5 mL or 200 mg/5 mL suspension in bottles.

Nelfinavir

Coadministration of nelfinavir at steady-state with a single oral dose of azithromycin resulted in increased azithromycin serum concentrations. Although a dose adjustment of azithromycin is not recommended when administered in combination with nelfinavir, close monitoring for known adverse reactions of azithromycin, such as liver enzyme abnormalities and hearing impairment, is warranted [see Adverse Reactions (6)].

Warfarin

Spontaneous postmarketing reports suggest that concomitant administration of azithromycin may potentiate the effects of oral anticoagulants such as warfarin, although the prothrombin time was not affected in the dedicated drug interaction study with azithromycin and warfarin. Prothrombin times should be carefully monitored while patients are receiving azithromycin and oral anticoagulants concomitantly.

Potential Drug-Drug Interactions with Macrolides

Interactions with digoxin or phenytoin have not been reported in clinical trials with azithromycin; however, no specific drug interaction studies have been performed to evaluate potential drug-drug interactions. However, drug interactions have been observed with other macrolide products. Until further data are developed regarding drug interactions when digoxin or phenytoin are used concomitantly with azithromycin careful monitoring of patients is advised.

Azithromycin for oral suspension USP contains the active ingredient azithromycin, USP, a macrolide antibacterial drug, for oral administration. Azithromycin, USP has the chemical name (2R,3S,4R,5R,8R,10R,11R,12S,13S,14R)-13-[(2,6-dideoxy-3-C-methyl-3-O-methyl-α-L-ribo-hexopyranosyl) oxy]-2-ethyl-3,4,10-trihydroxy-3,5,6,8,10,12,14-heptamethyl-11-[[3,4,6-trideoxy-3-(dimethylamino)-β-D-xylo-hexopyranosyl]oxy]-1-oxa-6-azacyclopentadecan-15-one. Azithromycin, USP is derived from erythromycin; however, it differs chemically from erythromycin in that a methyl-substituted nitrogen atom is incorporated into the lactone ring.

Azithromycin, USP has the following structural formula:

C38H72N2O12 M.W. 749

Azithromycin, USP, as the monohydrate, is a white crystalline powder with a molecular formula of C38H72N2O12•H2O and a molecular weight of 767.

Azithromycin for oral suspension USP is supplied in bottles containing azithromycin monohydrate powder equivalent to 300 mg, 600 mg, 900 mg or 1200 mg azithromycin, USP per bottle and the following inactive ingredients: ammonio methacrylate copolymer, banana flavor, cherry flavor, colloidal silicon dioxide, FD&C Red No. 40, hydroxypropyl cellulose, sucrose, tribasic sodium phosphate anhydrous, vanilla flavor, and xanthan gum. After constitution, each 5 mL of suspension contains 100 mg or 200 mg of azithromycin, USP.

General Patient Counseling

Azithromycin tablets and oral suspension can be taken with or without food.

Patients should also be cautioned not to take aluminum- and magnesium-containing antacids and azithromycin simultaneously.

The patient should be directed to discontinue azithromycin immediately and contact a physician if any signs of an allergic reaction occur.

Direct parents or caregivers to contact their physician if vomiting and irritability with feeding occurs in the infant.

Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including azithromycin should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When azithromycin is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of the therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by azithromycin or other antibacterial drugs in the future.

Diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibacterials which usually ends when the antibacterial is discontinued. Sometimes after starting treatment with antibacterials patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as two or more months after having taken the last dose of the antibacterial drug. If this occurs, patients should contact their physician as soon as possible.

See FDA-approved Patient Labeling

Manufactured In Croatia By:

Pliva Hrvatska d.o.o.

Zagreb, Croatia

Manufactured For:

Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.

North Wales, PA 19454

Rev. J 7/2017

Azithromycin (ay zith″ roe mye′ sin)

For Oral Suspension

Read this Patient Information leaflet before you start taking azithromycin for oral suspension and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or your treatment.

What is azithromycin for oral suspension?

Azithromycin for oral suspension is a macrolide antibiotic prescription medicine used in adults 18 years or older to treat certain infections caused by certain germs called bacteria. These bacterial infections include:

• acute worsening of chronic bronchitis • acute sinus infection • community-acquired pneumonia • infected throat or tonsils • skin infections • infections of the urethra or cervix • genital ulcers in men

Azithromycin for oral suspension is also used in children to treat:

• ear infections • community-acquired pneumonia • infected throat or tonsils

Azithromycin should not be taken by people who cannot tolerate oral medications because they are very ill or have certain other risk factors including:

• have cystic fibrosis • have hospital acquired infections • have known or suspected bacteria in the blood • need to be in the hospital • are elderly • have any medical problems that can lower the ability of the immune system to fight infections

Azithromycin for oral suspension is not for viral infections such as the common cold.

It is not known if azithromycin for oral suspension is safe and effective for genital ulcers in women.

It is not known if azithromycin for oral suspension is safe and effective for children with ear infections, sinus infections, and community-acquired pneumonia under 6 months of age.

It is not known if azithromycin for oral suspension is safe and effective for infected throat or tonsils in children under 2 years of age.

Who should not take azithromycin for oral suspension?

Do not take azithromycin for oral suspension if you:

• have had a severe allergic reaction to certain antibiotics known as macrolides or ketolides including azithromycin and erythromycin. • have a history of cholestatic jaundice or hepatic dysfunction that happened with the use of azithromycin.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking azithromycin for oral suspension?

Before you take azithromycin for oral suspension, tell your healthcare provider if you:

• have pneumonia • have cystic fibrosis • have known or suspected bacteremia (bacterial infection in the blood) • have liver or kidney problems • have an irregular heartbeat, especially a problem called “QT prolongation” • have a problem that causes muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis) • have any other medical problems • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if azithromycin for oral suspension will harm your unborn baby. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Azithromycin has been reported to pass into breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby while you take azithromycin for oral suspension.

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you are giving azithromycin for oral suspension to a young child (less than 6 weeks of age) and he or she vomits or becomes irritable when fed.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Azithromycin for oral suspension and other medicines may affect each other causing side effects. Azithromycin for oral suspension may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how azithromycin for oral suspension works.

Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take:

• nelfinavir • a blood thinner (warfarin) • digoxin • phenytoin • an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

How should I take azithromycin for oral suspension?

• Take azithromycin for oral suspension exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it. • Azithromycin for oral suspension can be taken with or without food. • If you take azithromycin for oral suspension, shake the bottle well just before you take it. • Do not skip any doses of azithromycin for oral suspension or stop taking it, even if you begin to feel better, until you finish your prescribed treatment unless you have a serious allergic reaction or your healthcare provider tells you to stop taking azithromycin for oral suspension. See “What are the possible side effects of azithromycin for oral suspension?” If you skip doses, or do not complete the total course of azithromycin for oral suspension your treatment may not work as well and your infection may be harder to treat. Taking all of your azithromycin for oral suspension doses will help lower the chance that the bacteria will become resistant to azithromycin. • If the bacteria becomes resistant to azithromycin, azithromycin for oral suspension and other antibiotic medicines may not work for you in the future. • If you take too much azithromycin for oral suspension, call your healthcare provider or get medical help right away.

What are the possible side effects of azithromycin for oral suspension?

Azithromycin for oral suspension can cause serious side effects, including:

• Serious allergic reactions. Allergic reactions can happen in people taking azithromycin the active ingredient in azithromycin for oral suspension, even after only 1 dose. Stop taking azithromycin for oral suspension and get emergency medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a severe allergic reaction: o trouble breathing or swallowing o swelling of the lips, tongue, face o throat tightness, hoarseness o rapid heartbeat o faintness o skin rash (hives) o new onset of fever and swollen lymph nodes   Stop taking azithromycin for oral suspension at the first sign of a skin rash and call your healthcare provider.   Skin rash may be a sign of a more serious reaction to azithromycin for oral suspension. • Liver damage (hepatotoxicity). Hepatotoxicity can happen in people who take azithromycin for oral suspension. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have unexplained symptoms such as:

o nausea or vomiting o stomach pain o fever o weakness o abdominal pain or tenderness o itching o unusual tiredness

o loss of appetite o change in the color of your bowel movements o dark colored urine o yellowing of your skin or of the whites of your eyes

  Stop taking azithromycin for oral suspension and tell your healthcare provider right away if you have yellowing of your skin or white part of your eyes, or if you have dark urine. These can be signs of a serious reaction to azithromycin for oral suspension (a liver problem). • Serious heart rhythm changes (QT prolongation and torsades de pointes). Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have a change in your heartbeat (a fast or irregular heartbeat), or if you feel faint and dizzy. Azithromycin for oral suspension may cause a rare heart problem known as prolongation of the QT interval. This condition can cause an abnormal heartbeat and can be very dangerous. The chances of this happening are higher in people: o who are elderly o with a family history of prolonged QT interval o with low blood potassium o who take certain medicines to control heart rhythm (antiarrhythmics) • Worsening of myasthenia gravis (a problem that causes muscle weakness). Certain antibiotics like azithromycin for oral suspension may cause worsening of myasthenia gravis symptoms, including muscle weakness and breathing problems. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any worsening muscle weakness or breathing problems. • Diarrhea. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have watery diarrhea, diarrhea that does not go away, or bloody stools. You may experience cramping and a fever. This could happen after you have finished your azithromycin for oral suspension.   The most common side effects of azithromycin for oral suspension include: • nausea • stomach pain • vomiting

These are not all the possible side effects of azithromycin for oral suspension. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I store azithromycin for oral suspension?

• Store dry powder at 68° to 77°F (20° to 25°C). PROTECT FROM FREEZING. • Store constituted suspension between 41° to 77°F (5° to 25°C) and discard when full dosing is completed. • Keep azithromycin for oral suspension in a tightly closed container. • Safely throw away any medicine that is out of date or no longer needed.

Keep azithromycin for oral suspension and all medicines out of the reach of children.

General information about the safe and effective use of azithromycin for oral suspension.

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in the Patient Information leaflet. Do not use azithromycin for oral suspension for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give azithromycin for oral suspension to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.

This Patient Information leaflet summarizes the most important information about azithromycin for oral suspension. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about azithromycin for oral suspension that is written for health professionals.

For more information, call 1-888-838-2872.

What are the ingredients in azithromycin for oral suspension?

Active ingredient: azithromycin monohydrate

Inactive ingredients: ammonio methacrylate copolymer, banana flavor, cherry flavor, colloidal silicon dioxide, FD&C Red No. 40, hydroxypropyl cellulose, sucrose, tribasic sodium phosphate anhydrous, vanilla flavor, and xanthan gum.

This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Manufactured In Croatia By:

Pliva Hrvatska d.o.o.

Zagreb, Croatia

Manufactured For:

Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.

North Wales, PA 19454

Rev. E 7/2017

Azithromycin is used to treat infections caused by bacteria.

This drug comes as a tablet, suspension, and extended-release suspension you take by mouth. It also comes as eye drops. A healthcare provider can also give this drug in an intravenous form.

The oral suspension is available as the brand-name drug Zithromax. It’s also available as a generic drug.

The more common side effects of this drug include diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, and vomiting.

In some cases, azithromycin can cause serious side effects. These can include liver problems and QT prolongation (a heart rhythm issue that may cause a fast, irregular heart rhythm).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Liver problems See Details

• QT prolongation See Details

• Antibiotic-associated diarrhea See Details

What is azithromycin?

Azithromycin is a prescription drug. It’s available as an oral tablet, oral suspension, and extended-release oral suspension. It also comes as eye drops. A healthcare provider can also give this drug in an intravenous form. 

The oral suspension is available as the brand-name drug Zithromax. It’s also available as a generic drug. Generic drugs usually cost less. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name version.

Why it's used

Azithromycin is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria.

How it works

Azithromycin belongs to a class of drugs called macrolide antibiotics.

More Details

All possible dosages and drug forms may not be included here. Your dosage, drug form, and how often you take the drug will depend on:

• your age
• the condition being treated
• how severe your condition is
• other medical conditions you have
• how you react to the first dose

What are you taking this medication for?

Bronchitis

Generic: azithromycin

Form: Oral suspension Strengths: 100 mg/5 mL, 200 mg/5 mL, 1,000 mg/5 mL

Brand: Zithromax

Form: Oral suspension Strengths: 100 mg/5 mL, 200 mg/5 mL, 1,000 mg/5 mL Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)

• 500 mg taken once per day for 3 days or
• 500 mg taken as a single dose on day 1, followed by 250 mg taken one time per day on days 2–5

Sinusitis

Generic: azithromycin

Form: Oral suspension Strengths: 100 mg/5 mL, 200 mg/5 mL, 1,000 mg/5 mL

Brand: Zithromax

Form: Oral suspension Strengths: 100 mg/5 mL, 200 mg/5 mL, 1,000 mg/5 mL Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)

500 mg taken once per day for 3 days

Child dosage (ages 6 months – 17 years)

10 mg/kg of body weight taken once per day for 3 days

Child dosage (ages 0–6 months)

This drug should not be used in children younger than 6 months of age.

Skin and skin structure infections

Generic: azithromycin

Form: Oral suspension Strengths: 100 mg/5 mL, 200 mg/5 mL, 1,000 mg/5 mL

Brand: Zithromax

Form: Oral suspension Strengths: 100 mg/5 mL, 200 mg/5 mL, 1,000 mg/5 mL Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)

• Day 1: 500 mg taken as a single dose
• Days 2–5: 250 mg taken once per day

Child dosage (ages 0–6 months)

This drug should not be used in children younger than 6 months of age.

Urethritis and cervicitis

Generic: azithromycin

Form: Oral suspension Strengths: 100 mg/5 mL, 200 mg/5 mL, 1,000 mg/5 mL

Brand: Zithromax

Form: Oral suspension Strengths: 100 mg/5 mL, 200 mg/5 mL, 1,000 mg/5 mL Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)

If you’re treating this condition and it isn’t caused by a gonorrhea infection, you’ll take a single 1-g dose. If you’re treating a symptom of a gonorrhea infection, you’ll take a single 2-g dose.

Child dosage (ages 0–6 months)

This drug should not be used in children younger than 6 months of age.

Genital ulcer disease

Generic: azithromycin

Form: Oral suspension Strengths: 100 mg/5 mL, 200 mg/5 mL, 1,000 mg/5 mL

Brand: Zithromax

Form: Oral suspension Strengths: 100 mg/5 mL, 200 mg/5 mL, 1,000 mg/5 mL Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)

A single 1-g dose

Child dosage (ages 0–6 months)

This drug should not be used in children younger than 6 months of age.

Acute middle ear infection

Generic: azithromycin

Form: Oral suspension Strengths: 100 mg/5 mL, 200 mg/5 mL, 1,000 mg/5 mL

Brand: Zithromax

Form: Oral suspension Strengths: 100 mg/5 mL, 200 mg/5 mL, 1,000 mg/5 mL Child dosage (ages 6 months – 17 years)

• 30 mg/kg of body weight taken as a single dose or
• 10 mg/kg of body weight taken once on day 1, followed by 5 mg/kg per day on days 2–5

Child dosage (ages 0–6 months)

This drug should not be used in children younger than 6 months of age.

Community-acquired pneumonia

Generic: azithromycin

Form: Oral suspension Strengths: 100 mg/5 mL, 200 mg/5 mL, 1,000 mg/5 mL

Brand: Zithromax

Form: Oral suspension Strengths: 100 mg/5 mL, 200 mg/5 mL, 1,000 mg/5 mL Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)

• Day 1: 500 mg taken as a single dose
• Days 2–5: 250 mg taken once per day

Child dosage (ages 6 months – 17 years)

10 mg/kg of body weight taken as a single dose on day 1, followed by 5 mg/kg taken once per day on days 2–5

Child dosage (ages 0–6 months)

This drug should not be used in children younger than 6 months of age.

Mycobacterium avium complex disease

Generic: azithromycin

Form: Oral suspension Strengths: 100 mg/5 mL, 200 mg/5 mL, 1,000 mg/5 mL

Brand: Zithromax

Form: Oral suspension Strengths: 100 mg/5 mL, 200 mg/5 mL, 1,000 mg/5 mL Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)

• For treatment: 600 mg taken once per day with the drug ethambutol
• For prevention: 1,200 mg taken once per week

Child dosage (ages 0–6 months)

This drug should not be used in children younger than 6 months of age.

Pharyngitis or tonsillitis

Generic: azithromycin

Form: Oral suspension Strengths: 100 mg/5 mL, 200 mg/5 mL, 1,000 mg/5 mL

Brand: Zithromax

Form: Oral suspension Strengths: 100 mg/5 mL, 200 mg/5 mL, 1,000 mg/5 mL Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)

• Day 1: 500 mg taken as a single dose
• Days 2–5: 250 mg taken once per day

Child dosage (ages 2–17 years)

12 mg/kg of body weight taken once per day for 5 days

Child dosage (ages 0–2 years)

This drug should not be used in children younger than 2 years of age for this condition.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always to speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you. Important considerations for taking azithromycin

This drug may be taken with or without food

Store this drug carefully

See Details

A prescription for this medication is refillable

See Details

Travel

See Details

Clinical monitoring

See Details

Are there any alternatives?