Azithromycin

Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis to treat infections. Its clinical uses vary by dosage form:

1. Oral Tablets (e.g., Azithromycin Tablets)
Indication: Treats acute pharyngitis/tonsillitis (streptococcal), sinusitis, otitis media, bronchitis, pneumonia, urethritis/cervicitis (chlamydia/gonorrhea), and skin infections.
Dosage:
Sexually transmitted infections: Single 1.0g dose.
Other infections: 500mg daily for 3 days, or 500mg on Day 1 + 250mg/day on Days 2–5 (total 1.5g).
Administration: Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals; swallow whole.
2. Oral Suspension (e.g., Zithromax 200mg/5ml)
Indication: Pediatric/adult infections (e.g., otitis media, pneumonia, pharyngitis).
Dosage:
Adults: Same as tablets (1.0g single dose for STIs; 1.5g total for other infections).
Children:
Otitis media/pneumonia: 10mg/kg on Day 1 + 5mg/kg/day on Days 2–5 (max 500mg/day).
Pharyngitis: 12mg/kg/day for 5 days (max 500mg/day).
Administration: Reconstitute with water; shake well before use.
3. Injection (e.g., Zithromax 500mg/vial)
Indication: Severe infections (e.g., community-acquired pneumonia) when oral therapy is not feasible.
Dosage: 500mg IV daily for 2 days, then switch to oral 500mg/day for 5–8 days.
Administration: Dilute in saline/dextrose; infuse over 1–3 hours.