Dosing and uses of AzaSite (azithromycin ophthalmic)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
ophthalmic solution
- 1% (2.5mL)
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Apply 1 gtt to affected eye(s) twice daily (8-12 hours apart) for 2 days; THEN apply 1 gtt qDay for 5 days
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
ophthalmic solution
- 1% (2.5mL)
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
<1 years
- Safety & efficacy not established
>1 years
- Apply 1 gtt to affected eye(s) twice daily (8-12 hours apart) for 2 days; THEN apply 1 gtt qDay for 5 days
AzaSite (azithromycin ophthalmic) adverse (side) effects
1-10%
Eye irritation (1-2%)
<1%
Anaphylaxis
Contact dermatitis
Corneal erosion
Dry eye
Rash
Urticaria
Dygeusia
Nasal congestion
Ocular discharge
Punctate keratitis
Sinusitis
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Cautions
Known hypersensitivity to azithromycin or erythromycin
Serious allergic reactions, including angioedema, anaphylaxis, and dermatologic reactions including Stevens Johnson Syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis have been reported; although rare, fatalities have been reported
Discontinue use if superinfection occurs
May result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms including fungi
Avoid contact lens wear during therapy of S/S of bacterial conjunctivitis
Do not administer systemically; inject SC; or apply directly into anterior eye chamber
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: B
Lactation: Excretion in milk unknown; use with caution
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of AzaSite (azithromycin ophthalmic)
Mechanism of action
Inhibits protein synthesis in susceptible organisms by binding to 50S ribosomal subunits, thereby inhibiting translocation of aminoacyl transfer-RNA & inhibiting polypeptide synthesis
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Negligible
