Azithromycin Dispersible Tablets (DT) represent a significant advancement in antibiotic therapy, offering healthcare professionals and patients a reliable treatment option for a wide spectrum of bacterial infections. This macrolide antibiotic derivative provides the proven efficacy of azithromycin in a patient-friendly dispersible formulation that enhances compliance and administration flexibility. Its broad-spectrum activity covers common respiratory, skin, and sexually transmitted infections, making it a versatile choice in clinical practice. The dispersible tablet technology allows for easy administration without water, particularly beneficial for pediatric, geriatric, or dysphagic patients.

Features

• Contains azithromycin dihydrate 500mg as the active pharmaceutical ingredient
• Dispersible tablet formulation that dissolves rapidly in small amounts of water
• Bioequivalent to conventional azithromycin tablets with comparable pharmacokinetic profile
• Stable at room temperature with a shelf life of 24 months from manufacturing date
• Manufactured under GMP-certified facilities ensuring pharmaceutical quality standards
• Available in blister packs of 3, 6, or 10 tablets for complete treatment courses
• Sugar-free formulation suitable for diabetic patients
• Pleasant mint flavor masking the characteristic bitter taste of azithromycin

Benefits

• Rapid dissolution allows administration without swallowing difficulties, improving patient compliance
• Flexible dosing regimen typically requires only once-daily administration for shorter treatment durations
• Broad-spectrum coverage against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and atypical pathogens
• Excellent tissue penetration achieving high concentrations at infection sites
• Reduced gastrointestinal side effects compared to other macrolide antibiotics
• Post-antibiotic effect maintains antibacterial activity even after serum levels decline

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 Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, or Streptococcus pneumoniae. It is equally effective for acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 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 treats sexually transmitted diseases including nongonococcal urethritis and cervicitis due to Chlamydia trachomatis, as well as genital ulcer disease in men due to Haemophilus ducreyi (chancroid).

Dosage and direction

For most bacterial infections in adults: 500mg (one tablet) once daily for 3 days. For sexually transmitted infections: single 1000mg (two tablets) one-time dose. Pediatric dosing (age 6 months and older) is weight-based: 10mg/kg on day 1 (maximum 500mg), followed by 5mg/kg on days 2 through 5 (maximum 250mg daily). Administration involves placing the tablet in a teaspoonful of water (approximately 5ml), allowing it to disperse completely, and administering the suspension immediately. The dispersed medication may be taken with or without food, though administration 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals may enhance absorption. Complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve earlier to prevent antibiotic resistance.

Precautions

Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment as azithromycin is extensively metabolized in the liver. Monitor liver function tests during prolonged therapy. Exercise caution in patients with renal impairment (creatinine clearance <10 mL/min) due to limited elimination data. May prolong QT interval; avoid in patients with known QT prolongation, history of torsades de pointes, or those taking other QT-prolonging drugs. Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed (Category B). Azithromycin excretes in breast milk; consider temporary discontinuation of nursing during treatment. Superinfections with nonsusceptible organisms including fungi may occur. Not recommended for treatment of severe pneumonia requiring hospitalization.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to azithromycin, erythromycin, or any other macrolide antibiotics. Contraindicated in patients with history of cholestatic jaundice/hepatic dysfunction associated with prior azithromycin use. Should not be administered concurrently with ergot derivatives or ergot-like drugs due to potential for ergotism. Avoid use in patients with known QT interval prolongation or ventricular arrhythmias including torsades de pointes. Contraindicated with drugs that significantly prolong QT interval such as pimozide, cisapride, and certain antipsychotics.

Possible side effect

Common side effects (≥1%) include diarrhea/loose stools (5-10%), nausea (3-5%), abdominal pain (2-3%), and vomiting (1-2%). Less frequent adverse reactions include headache, dizziness, and reversible hearing impairment. Dermatological reactions including rash, photosensitivity, and angioedema may occur. Cardiovascular effects may include palpitations, chest pain, and QT prolongation. Hepatic enzyme elevations and rarely hepatitis have been reported. Serious but rare side effects include pseudomembranous colitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and cholestatic jaundice. Most side effects are mild to moderate and self-limiting.

Drug interaction

Significant interactions occur with antacids containing aluminum or magnesium—administer azithromycin at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after such antacids. Increases concentration of digoxin; monitor digoxin levels. May potentiate warfarin effect; monitor INR regularly. Concurrent use with nelfinavir increases azithromycin levels; consider dose adjustment. Enhances effects of cyclosporine, tacrolimus, and other CYP3A4 substrates. Contraindicated with ergot derivatives due to risk of acute ergot toxicity. Avoid concurrent administration with drugs that prolong QT interval including Class IA and III antiarrhythmics, certain antipsychotics, and fluoroquinolones.

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one. Continue with the regular dosing schedule. For once-daily regimens, if remembered within 12 hours of the scheduled time, take immediately and resume normal schedule. If remembered later than 12 hours, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time. Maintaining consistent antibiotic levels is important for efficacy, but single missed doses in the short azithromycin regimen typically have minimal clinical impact due to the drug’s prolonged half-life.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and temporary hearing loss. Management is supportive with attention to electrolyte balance and hydration. Gastric lavage may be considered if presented soon after ingestion. Azithromycin is not removed by peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis due to extensive tissue binding and large volume of distribution. Monitor cardiac function (ECG) for QT prolongation in significant overdoses. There is no specific antidote; symptomatic treatment should be provided based on clinical manifestations. Contact poison control center for latest guidance on management.

Storage

Store below 30°C (86°F) in a dry place protected from light and moisture. Keep in original blister packaging until time of use to protect from environmental factors. Do not remove desiccant from packaging if present. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use if the tablet shows signs of physical damage, discoloration, or if the expiration date has passed. Once dispersed in water, the suspension should be administered immediately and not stored for later use. Proper storage maintains stability and efficacy throughout the shelf life.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any medication. The prescribing physician should be aware of the patient’s complete medical history, current medications, and potential allergies. Dosage and treatment duration should be determined by a healthcare provider based on specific infection, pathogen susceptibility, and patient factors. Antibiotics should be used judiciously to prevent the development of drug-resistant bacteria.

Reviews

Clinical studies demonstrate azithromycin DT achieves clinical cure rates of 85-95% for respiratory tract infections and 90-98% for skin/soft tissue infections. Physicians appreciate the convenience of the dispersible formulation, particularly for pediatric and elderly patients who have difficulty swallowing conventional tablets. Patients report high satisfaction with the shorter treatment course and reduced frequency of dosing compared to other antibiotics. The mint flavor significantly improves palatability, enhancing compliance in children. Healthcare providers note the formulation’s stability and consistent pharmacokinetic profile make it a reliable choice in outpatient settings. Clinical trials show comparable efficacy to conventional azithromycin tablets with similar safety profiles.