Azithromycin Dihydrate (Macrolide Antibiotic)

Question 1

What are the brand names of azithromycin dihydrate?

Answer 1

Zithromax & Zmax

Question 2

What strength tablets are available for azithromycin dihydrate?

Answer 2

250 mg, 500 mg, and 600 mg

Question 3

What strength packets are available for azithromycin dihydrate?

Answer 3

Each package contains 1 g following reconstitution

Question 4

What strength azithromycin is available as a Zmax powder for suspension?

Answer 4

2 g azithromycin extended release

Question 5

Is what strength as a throw myosin dihydrate is available as a powder for suspension?

Answer 5

300mg (100mg/5mL)

600mg, 900mg, & 1200 mg (200mg/5mL)

Question 6

What does azithromycin is available as a powder for injection?

Answer 6

Each vial contains 500 mg of azithromycin in a lyophilized form

Question 7

What is the most common dose pattern for azithromycin dihydrate?

Answer 7

500 mg as a single dose on the first day followed by 250 mg once daily for four more days

Question 8

Do you have your cards with you?

Answer 8

Yes? Re-read the FDA indications/dosages for Azithromycin Dihydrate

Question 9

What is the mechanism of action for azithromycin dihydrate?

Answer 9

Azithromycin dihydrate is a macrolide antibiotic which binds to 50 S ribosomal subunits a susceptible bacteria thereby suppressing protein synthesis

Question 10

What are the drug interactions for azithromycin dihydrate?

Answer 10

• Antacids slow absorption.
• Food decreases absorption.
• Nelfinavir increases (doubles) serum concentration of azithromycin.
• Use with caution with drugs which prolong the QT interval

Question 11

What are the contraindications for azithromycin dihydrate?

Answer 11

• Contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to macrolides or ketolides.
• Use caution in patients with impaired hepatic function.
• Use caution with patients with a prolonged QT interval, low blood levels of potassium or magnesium, and bradycardia.
• Use with caution in patients being treated for arrhythmias.
• Pseudomembranous colitis and secondary bacterial infections may occur with broad-spectrum antibiotics, contacted physician if diarrhea becomes severe or persistent.
• Do not use for complicated pneumonia, gonorrhea, or syphilis.
• Pregnancy category B

Question 12

What are the adverse effects of azithromycin dihydrate?

Answer 12

• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

- Intravenous therapy may cause pain at the injection site and local inflammation.

Question 13

What should the RPh tell the patient when counseling them for azithromycin dihydrate?

Answer 13

• Tablets and suspensions are preferably taken with food.
• Zmax formulation should be taken on an empty stomach one hour before or two hours following a meal.
• Do not take antacids within one hour of administration.
• Report severe or persistent diarrhea to a physician
• Take a missed dose as soon as possible and continue dosing schedule.
• Shake suspensions well before each dose.