Azithromycin DT: Effective Bacterial Infection Treatment with Convenient Dosing
Azithromycin Dispersible Tablets (DT) represent a significant advancement in antibiotic therapy, offering the proven efficacy of azithromycin in a patient-friendly formulation. This macrolide antibiotic is designed for rapid dispersion in water, facilitating easier administration for individuals who have difficulty swallowing conventional tablets, including pediatric and geriatric populations. Its broad-spectrum activity targets a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, making it a versatile choice for treating common respiratory, skin, and soft tissue infections. The unique dispersible tablet technology ensures accurate dosing and improved bioavailability, supporting consistent therapeutic outcomes while enhancing patient compliance through simplified intake.
Features
- Contains azithromycin dihydrate as the active pharmaceutical ingredient
- Available in 250 mg and 500 mg dispersible tablet strengths
- Rapidly disperses in a small amount of water (within 2–3 minutes) to form a uniform suspension
- Pleasant strawberry flavor to improve palatability, especially in pediatric use
- Manufactured under strict GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) conditions
- Packaged in blister strips to protect stability and ensure dosing accuracy
- Does not require refrigeration; stable at room temperature
- Bioequivalent to conventional azithromycin tablets
Benefits
- Effective against a broad spectrum of common bacterial pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Staphylococcus aureus
- Convenient once-daily dosing regimen improves adherence and reduces missed doses
- Dispersible formulation allows for flexible administration, ideal for children, elderly patients, or those with dysphagia
- Short treatment course (typically 3–5 days) due to extended tissue half-life, supporting faster recovery and minimizing antibiotic exposure
- Well-tolerated profile with a lower incidence of gastrointestinal side effects compared to other macrolides
- Can be taken with or without food, offering flexibility for patient lifestyle
Common use
Azithromycin DT is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible strains of microorganisms. Common uses include community-acquired pneumonia, acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute bacterial sinusitis, pharyngitis/tonsillitis, uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections, and urethritis/cervicitis due to Chlamydia trachomatis. It is also used as part of combination therapy for Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) prophylaxis in advanced HIV patients. Off-label uses may include pertussis prophylaxis, Legionnaires’ disease, and certain sexually transmitted infections when susceptibility is confirmed.
Dosage and direction
Dosage is based on the type and severity of infection, patient weight (for pediatric dosing), and renal function. For most infections in adults: 500 mg as a single dose on day 1, followed by 250 mg once daily on days 2 through 5. Alternative regimen: 500 mg once daily for 3 days. For sexually transmitted infections: a single 1 g dose. Pediatric dosing is weight-based: 10 mg/kg on day 1 (maximum 500 mg), then 5 mg/kg on days 2–5 (maximum 250 mg). Disperse the tablet in at least 30 mL of water, stir to suspend, and administer immediately. May be taken without regard to meals, though administration with food may reduce gastrointestinal upset.
Precautions
Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment; consider monitoring liver function tests during prolonged therapy. May prolong QT interval; avoid in patients with known QT prolongation, history of torsades de pointes, or concurrent use of other QT-prolonging drugs. Use in pregnancy only if clearly needed (FDA Category B). Excreted in human milk; caution advised during breastfeeding. Superinfection with resistant bacteria or fungi may occur. Not recommended for use in patients with pneumonia who are judged to be at risk for Gram-negative infection or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Avoid unnecessary use to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to azithromycin, erythromycin, or any other macrolide or ketolide antibiotic. Contraindicated in patients with a history of cholestatic jaundice/hepatic dysfunction associated with prior azithromycin use. Should not be used concomitantly with ergot derivatives or drugs that are potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir) due to risk of serious adverse reactions. Not recommended in patients with known QT prolongation or ventricular arrhythmia.
Possible side effect
Common side effects (≥1%) include diarrhea/loose stools, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and headache. Less frequently reported: dizziness, changes in taste, palpitations, and elevated liver enzymes. Rare but serious side effects may include QT prolongation, torsades de pointes, hepatotoxicity, Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea, and severe skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome). Allergic reactions, including angioedema and anaphylaxis, have been reported. Discontinue use and seek medical attention if severe side effects occur.
Drug interaction
Azithromycin is a substrate and mild inhibitor of CYP3A4. Significant interactions may occur with: anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin—monitor INR), digoxin (may increase serum levels), ergot alkaloids (contraindicated due to risk of ergotism), and drugs that prolong QT interval (e.g., fluoroquinolones, antipsychotics—avoid combination). Concurrent use with nefazodone, cyclosporine, phenytoin, or theophylline may require dosage adjustment or monitoring. Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium may reduce absorption; administer azithromycin at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after antacids.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one. Maintaining consistent dosing is important to ensure effective antibiotic levels and prevent resistance.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and temporary hearing loss. Management is supportive; gastric lavage may be considered if ingestion was recent. There is no specific antidote. Hemodialysis is not effective for removal. Monitor ECG for QT prolongation in significant overdose. Contact a poison control center or seek emergency medical attention if overdose is suspected.
Storage
Store at room temperature (15–30°C) in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep the blister strips in the original packaging until use. Do not use if the tablet is discolored or shows signs of deterioration. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not flush unused medication; dispose of properly according to local regulations.
Disclaimer
This information is intended for healthcare professionals and educated patients as a summary of product characteristics. It is not exhaustive and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations based on individual health status and current clinical guidelines. The prescriber should reference the full prescribing information before initiating therapy.
Reviews
Clinical studies and post-marketing surveillance indicate high patient satisfaction with Azithromycin DT, particularly regarding ease of administration and tolerability. In pediatric trials, over 85% of parents reported no difficulty with dosing, and compliance rates exceeded 90%. Healthcare providers appreciate the flexibility in dosing and the reduced frequency of administration compared to other antibiotics. Some reports note mild gastrointestinal symptoms, but these are generally self-limiting. Overall, it is regarded as a reliable option for outpatient management of common bacterial infections.