Drug Detail:Azithromycin ophthalmic (Azithromycin ophthalmic [ a-zith-roe-mye-sin-off-thal-mik ])
Drug Class: Ophthalmic anti-infectives
Usual Adult Dose for Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Days 1 and 2: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) twice a day, 8 to 12 hours apart.
Days 3 through 7: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) once a day.
Use: For the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis due to susceptible isolates of CDC coryneform group G, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mitis group, S pneumoniae
Usual Pediatric Dose for Bacterial Conjunctivitis
1 year or older:
- Days 1 and 2: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) twice a day, 8 to 12 hours apart.
- Days 3 through 7: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) once a day.
Use: For the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis due to susceptible isolates of CDC coryneform group G, H influenzae, S aureus, S mitis group, S pneumoniae
Renal Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Liver Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Precautions
Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 1 year.
Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.
Dialysis
Data not available
Other Comments
Administration advice:
- For topical ophthalmic use only; not for injection
- Do not administer systemically, inject subconjunctivally, or introduce directly into the anterior chamber of the eye.
- Invert closed bottle and shake once before each use; with bottle inverted, remove cap, tilt head back, and gently squeeze bottle to instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s).
Storage requirements:
- Unopened bottle: Store refrigerated at 2C to 8C (36F to 46F).
- Opened bottle: Store at 2C to 25C (36F to 77F) for up to 14 days; discard after 14 days.
Patient advice:
- Do not wear contact lenses if you have signs/symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis.
- Wash hands thoroughly before using this drug.
- Avoid contaminating the applicator tip with material from the eye, fingers, or any other source.
- Stop this drug and contact physician at first sign of allergic reaction.
- Avoid missing doses and complete the entire course of therapy.