Azithromycin DT: Effective Bacterial Infection Treatment with Convenient Dosing
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 an extended 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, this formulation addresses both clinical effectiveness and practical administration considerations in diverse patient populations.
Features
- Contains azithromycin dihydrate as the active pharmaceutical ingredient
- Dispersible tablet formulation that dissolves rapidly in water (typically within 30-60 seconds)
- Available in 250mg and 500mg strength tablets
- Stable at room temperature with a standard shelf life of 24 months
- Bioequivalent to conventional azithromycin tablets with comparable AUC and Cmax values
- Manufactured under GMP-certified facilities with rigorous quality control standards
- Packaged in moisture-resistant blister packs to maintain stability
Benefits
- Enhanced patient compliance due to once-daily dosing regimen and easy administration
- Rapid clinical response with symptomatic improvement often observed within 48-72 hours of initiation
- Superior tissue penetration achieving concentrations 10-100 times higher than serum levels at infection sites
- Reduced gastrointestinal side effects compared to other macrolide antibiotics
- Flexible administration options allowing consumption as either a traditional tablet or liquid suspension
- Proven efficacy across multiple infection types with consistently high bacterial eradication rates
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 Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. It is equally effective for acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and acute bacterial sinusitis. Dermatological applications include 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 of Mycobacterium avium complex in immunocompromised patients and treatment of certain gastrointestinal infections when clinically appropriate.
Dosage and direction
Standard dosing for adults with respiratory tract infections, skin infections, or sexually transmitted diseases is 500mg as a single daily dose on day one, followed by 250mg daily on days 2 through 5. For chlamydial infections and nongonococcal urethritis, a single 1g dose is typically administered. Pediatric dosing is weight-based at 10mg/kg on day one (maximum 500mg) followed by 5mg/kg on days 2 through 5 (maximum 250mg). Tablets should be placed in approximately 30mL of water, allowed to disperse completely (approximately 2 minutes), then stirred and consumed immediately. The resulting suspension may be administered directly into the mouth or via oral syringe for precise dosing. Administration should occur either one hour before or two hours after meals to optimize absorption, though this requirement may be relaxed in pediatric patients to improve tolerability. 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 alternative therapy in patients with severe hepatic dysfunction. Monitor patients with renal impairment (GFR <10 mL/min) although dosage adjustment is generally not required. Use with caution in patients with known QT prolongation, clinically significant bradycardia, or those taking concomitant medications that prolong the QT interval due to potential arrhythmogenic effects. Superinfection with resistant organisms including pseudomembranous colitis may occur; evaluate patients who develop diarrhea during or after treatment. Prescribers should be aware of the potential for hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema and anaphylaxis, particularly in patients with known macrolide allergy. Cardiac monitoring may be advisable in patients with existing cardiovascular risk factors due to rare reports of torsades de pointes.
Contraindications
Azithromycin DT is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to azithromycin, erythromycin, or any other macrolide or ketolide antibiotics. Avoid use in patients with history of cholestatic jaundice or hepatic dysfunction associated with prior azithromycin use. Concurrent administration with ergot derivatives is contraindicated due to potential for ergotism. Should not be administered to patients with known prolongation of the QT interval or those taking class IA (quinidine, procainamide) or class III (dofetilide, amiodarone) antiarrhythmic agents. Contraindicated in patients with myasthenia gravis due to potential for exacerbating muscle weakness. Avoid use in patients with pneumonia considered at risk for Gram-negative infection or those with known resistant pathogens not covered by azithromycin’s spectrum.
Possible side effect
Common adverse reactions (≥1%) include diarrhea/loose stools (5-10%), nausea (3-5%), abdominal pain (2-3%), and vomiting (1-2%). Less frequent side effects may include headache (1-2%), dizziness (1%), and reversible hearing impairment particularly at higher doses. Dermatological reactions including rash and photosensitivity occur in approximately 1% of patients. Hepatic enzyme elevations (AST, ALT) have been observed in 1-2% of patients, though clinically apparent hepatitis is rare. Serious but infrequent adverse effects (<0.1%) include QT prolongation, ventricular tachycardia, cholestatic jaundice, and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. Hypersensitivity reactions ranging from mild rash to anaphylaxis may occur, particularly in predisposed individuals. Pseudomembranous colitis may develop during or weeks after antibiotic therapy.
Drug interaction
Azithromycin may potentiate the effects of warfarin; monitor INR closely when co-administering. Concurrent use with nelfinavir increases azithromycin serum concentrations; consider dose reduction. May increase serum concentrations of digoxin, theophylline, and cyclosporine through potential inhibition of metabolism. Coadministration with antacids containing aluminum or magnesium may reduce peak serum concentrations (approximately 24% reduction); administer azithromycin at least one hour before or two hours after antacids. Avoid concurrent use with ergotamine or dihydroergotamine due to potential for acute ergot toxicity. Concomitant administration with other QT-prolonging agents (fluoroquinolones, antipsychotics, antiarrhythmics) may increase arrhythmia risk. May interfere with the bactericidal action of penicillins; avoid concurrent administration in serious infections.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, administer it as soon as possible on the same day. If the missed dose is not remembered until the next day, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed administration. Maintain the original treatment schedule for subsequent doses. For the single-dose regimen for sexually transmitted infections, if vomiting occurs within one hour of administration, consider re-administration of the full dose. Document missed doses in patient records to assess potential impact on treatment efficacy, particularly for infections requiring strict adherence.
Overdose
Symptoms of azithromycin overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and temporary hearing loss. In cases of massive overdose, QT prolongation and subsequent arrhythmias may occur. Management should be supportive with close monitoring of cardiac function, particularly QT interval. Gastric lavage may be considered if presentation occurs shortly after ingestion. Activated charcoal may be administered if within one hour of ingestion, though efficacy may be limited due to azithromycin’s rapid absorption. Hemodialysis is not effective for azithromycin removal due to extensive tissue binding and large volume of distribution. Provide symptomatic treatment for gastrointestinal distress and maintain adequate hydration. Cardiac monitoring for at least 24 hours is recommended in significant overdoses, particularly in patients with pre-existing cardiac conditions.
Storage
Store at controlled room temperature between 15-30°C (59-86°F) in the original packaging to protect from moisture and light. Keep the blister strips sealed until immediately before use to maintain stability. Do not remove desiccant from the packaging if present. Once dispersed in water, the suspension should be administered immediately and not stored for later use. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use beyond the expiration date printed on the packaging. Avoid storage in bathrooms or other areas with high humidity. Do not freeze the tablets. Discard any tablets that show signs of physical deterioration, discoloration, or moisture damage.
Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Healthcare professionals should exercise their own professional judgment when treating patients. Always refer to the full prescribing information and local guidelines before initiating therapy. Dosage and administration may vary based on individual patient factors, infection severity, and local resistance patterns. The prescriber is responsible for determining appropriate therapy based on clinical presentation and microbial susceptibility. Not all possible uses, interactions, or adverse effects are included here. Report adverse events to the appropriate regulatory authority in your country.
Reviews
Clinical studies demonstrate azithromycin DT achieves clinical cure rates of 85-95% for respiratory tract infections and 90-98% for skin and soft tissue infections. Microbiological eradication rates typically range from 87-94% for common pathogens. Patient satisfaction surveys indicate high acceptance of the dispersible formulation, with 92% of caregivers reporting easier administration compared to conventional tablets in pediatric populations. Healthcare providers report improved compliance rates particularly in elderly patients with swallowing difficulties. The once-daily dosing regimen receives consistently positive feedback from both patients and clinicians for convenience and reduced treatment burden. Clinical trials show comparable efficacy between dispersible and conventional tablet formulations with no statistically significant differences in therapeutic outcomes.