Drug Name Azithromycin

Dosage 500 mg tab OD

Class: Macrolide

Pregnancy Category: B

Therapeutic Action Blocks transpeptidation by binding to50s ribosomal subunit of susceptible organisms and disrupting RNAdependent protein synthesis at the chain elongation step

Indication Treatment of lower respiratory infections: Acute bacterial exacerbations of COPD due to Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxellacatarrhalis,Stre ptococcus pneumoniae; community-acquired pneumonia due to S.pneumoniae, H.influenzae Treatment of lower respiratory infections: Streptococcal pharyngitis and tonsillitis due to Streptococcus pyogenes in those who cannot take penicillins Treatment of uncomplicated skin infections due to Staphylococcus aureus, S. pyogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae

Contraindication Contraindicated with hypersensitivity to azithromycin, erythromycin, or any macrolide antibiotic

Adverse Effects Mild to moderate nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, flatulence, diarrhea, cramping; angioedema, cholestatic jaundice; dizziness, headache, vertigo, somnolence; transient elevations of liver enzyme value

Nursing Responsibilities Culture site of infection before therapy. Administer on an empty stomach 1 hr before or 23 hr after meals. Food affects the absorption of this drug Take the full courseprescribed. Do nottake with antacids.Tablets and oralsuspension can be taken with or withoutfood Report severe or watery diarrhea, severe nausea or vomiting, rash or itching, mouth sores, vaginal sore