Dose: 10 mg/kg/dose PO X 1 then 5 mg/kg X 4 (see comments)     

Frequency: Q Day.  

Comments:   Azithromycin is in the azilide class of antibiotics (related to the macrolide class that includes erythromycin) used to treat infections due to S. aureus, S. pneumonia and pyogenes, H. influenza, Moraxella catarrhalis, Legionella pneumophila, Chlamydia trachomatis, Clostridium species, Bacteroides species, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and possibly Borrelia burgdorferi (agent of Lyme disease). Azithromycin has been shown to be effective in treating bacterial infections of the upper and lower respiratory tracts as well as skin infections.  Further comments on azithromycin.

Toxicity:  Side effects reported in children occurred in only 1 to 2% of cases. These included diarrhea, loose stools, vomiting, and nausea. Constipation, anorexia, flatulence, and gastritis were also reported. Rare side effects included agitation, insomnia, headache, fever, conjunctivitis, and rashes. Lab test abnormalities were rarely seen but included elevations in serum concentrations of potassium, ALT, GGT, bilirubin, BUN, creatinine, glucose, and alkaline phosphatase. All appeared reversible after the medication was discontinued (Facts and Comparisons, Inc. Drug Facts and Comparisons. Olin, B.R. ed. St. Louis, MO:Facts and Comparisons, Inc; 1997, page 342n).

Preparation: Reconstitute with water as directed to formulate a 100 mg/5 ml or 200 mg/5 ml final concentration. The medication may be administered without regard of food intake (Reed and Blumer. Pediatr Infect Dis J 1997; 16:1069).