Azithromycin DT: Effective Bacterial Infection Treatment with Convenient Dosing
Azithromycin DT
Azithromycin Dispersible Tablets (DT) represent a significant advancement in antibiotic therapy, offering healthcare professionals and patients a reliable, well-tolerated treatment option for various bacterial infections. This macrolide antibiotic combines broad-spectrum antibacterial activity with exceptional pharmacokinetic properties, including extensive tissue penetration and a prolonged elimination half-life that permits once-daily dosing. The dispersible tablet formulation enhances patient compliance, particularly in pediatric, geriatric, and dysphagic populations, while maintaining the established efficacy profile of azithromycin. With demonstrated effectiveness against respiratory, skin, and sexually transmitted infections, Azithromycin DT stands as a cornerstone in modern antimicrobial therapy.
Features
- Contains azithromycin dihydrate as active pharmaceutical ingredient
- Dispersible tablet formulation for easy administration without swallowing intact tablets
- Rapid dispersion in water forming a pleasant-tasting suspension
- Bioequivalent to conventional azithromycin tablets
- Stable across various temperature and humidity conditions
- Available in 250mg and 500mg strengths
- Manufactured under strict GMP guidelines
- Three-layer film coating for protection and stability
Benefits
- Enhanced patient compliance through easy administration, particularly beneficial for children, elderly patients, and those with swallowing difficulties
- Rapid clinical response due to excellent tissue penetration and high concentrations at infection sites
- Convenient once-daily dosing regimen reduces treatment burden and improves adherence
- Short treatment courses (typically 3-5 days) due to extended antibiotic activity post-administration
- Proven efficacy against a wide spectrum of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria
- Generally favorable safety profile with lower incidence of gastrointestinal side effects compared to other macrolides
Common use
Azithromycin DT is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible strains of designated microorganisms. Primary indications include community-acquired pneumonia due to Chlamydia pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, or Streptococcus pneumoniae. It is equally effective for acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acute bacterial sinusitis. Dermatological applications encompass uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, or Streptococcus agalactiae. The medication also demonstrates efficacy in the management of sexually transmitted diseases, particularly non-gonococcal urethritis and cervicitis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. Off-label uses may include prevention and treatment of mycobacterial infections in immunocompromised patients.
Dosage and direction
Dosage should be individualized based on infection type, severity, and patient characteristics. For respiratory tract and skin infections: 500mg as a single dose on day 1, followed by 250mg once daily on days 2 through 5. For sexually transmitted infections: single 1g dose. Pediatric dosing is weight-based at 10mg/kg on day 1 (maximum 500mg) followed by 5mg/kg on days 2-5 (maximum 250mg). Tablets should be dispersed in at least 50ml of water immediately before administration; the resulting suspension should be consumed immediately. Administration should occur either one hour before or two hours after meals to optimize absorption. Complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve earlier to prevent antibiotic resistance.
Precautions
Exercise caution in patients with hepatic impairment as azithromycin is extensively metabolized in the liver; consider dosage adjustment or alternative therapy in severe hepatic dysfunction. Monitor patients with renal impairment (CrCl <10 mL/min) although dosage adjustment is generally not required. Use with caution in patients with known QT prolongation, history of torsades de pointes, or those taking other QT-prolonging medications. Superinfection with nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi, may occur and requires appropriate therapy. Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with nearly all antibacterial agents and may range in severity; consider this diagnosis in patients who present with diarrhea subsequent to antibiotic administration.
Contraindications
Azithromycin DT is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to azithromycin, erythromycin, or any other macrolide or ketolide antibiotics. Contraindicated in patients with history of cholestatic jaundice or hepatic dysfunction associated with prior azithromycin use. Should not be administered concurrently with ergot derivatives due to potential for ergotism. Avoid use in patients with known prolongation of QT interval or those taking class IA or III antiarrhythmic agents. Contraindicated in patients with myasthenia gravis due to potential for disease exacerbation.
Possible side effect
Common adverse reactions (β₯1%) include diarrhea/loose stools (5%), nausea (3%), abdominal pain (3%), and vomiting (1%). Less frequent side effects comprise headache, dizziness, and reversible hearing impairment. Dermatological reactions may include rash, photosensitivity, and angioedema. Cardiovascular effects may include palpitations, chest pain, and QT interval prolongation. Hepatic enzyme elevations and rare cases of hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice have been reported. Serious but rare adverse events include Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, ventricular arrhythmias, and hypersensitivity reactions. Most side effects are mild to moderate and self-limiting.
Drug interaction
Azithromycin may potentiate effects of warfarin; monitor prothrombin time closely. Concurrent use with nelfinavir increases azithromycin serum concentrations; consider dosage adjustment. May increase serum concentrations of digoxin; monitor digoxin levels. Coadministration with antacids containing aluminum or magnesium may reduce azithromycin absorption; administer at least 2 hours apart. Potential interaction with other QT-prolonging agents (antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics, antidepressants) may increase risk of cardiac arrhythmias. May increase effects of cyclosporine, tacrolimus, and other drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, administer it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed administration. Maintain the prescribed interval between doses to ensure optimal therapeutic concentrations. For once-daily regimens, if remembered within 12 hours of the scheduled time, take immediately and continue normal schedule; if beyond 12 hours, wait until next scheduled dose.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and temporary hearing loss. Management should be supportive with ECG monitoring for QT prolongation. Gastric lavage may be considered if performed soon after ingestion. Azithromycin is not removed by peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis. Monitor hepatic function and provide symptomatic treatment for gastrointestinal distress. Maintain hydration and electrolyte balance. Cases of accidental overdose have generally not resulted in life-threatening symptoms.
Storage
Store at controlled room temperature (20-25Β°C/68-77Β°F) with excursions permitted between 15-30Β°C (59-86Β°F). Protect from excessive moisture and light. Keep in original packaging until time of use. Do not remove desiccant from packaging. Disperse tablets immediately before administration; do not store reconstituted suspension for later use. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use after expiration date printed on packaging.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication. The prescribing physician should be aware of the patient’s complete medical history and current medications. Antibiotics should only be used for bacterial infections as inappropriate use may lead to antibiotic resistance. Actual product characteristics may vary by manufacturer and region.
Reviews
Clinical studies demonstrate azithromycin’s efficacy with cure rates of 85-95% for respiratory infections and 92-98% for skin infections. Meta-analyses confirm superior tolerability compared to other macrolides, with discontinuation rates due to adverse effects below 1%. Pediatric studies show excellent acceptance of dispersible formulation with compliance rates exceeding 90%. Real-world evidence supports maintained effectiveness against community-acquired pathogens despite emerging resistance patterns. Healthcare providers report high satisfaction with the convenience of the dispersible formulation, particularly in special populations.