Azithromycin
Brands Names: Zithromax, Zmax
- Form of administration: Pills or suspension
-
Why is the drug here:
Common and useful antibiotics in pediatrics.
-
Purpose of treatment:
First line treatment of certain infections in children, especially atypical pneumonia or clinical dysentery (read more here). First line treatment of many infections in children who are allergic to antibiotics from the penicillin family.
- Ingredients: An antibiotic from the macrolide family called Azithromycin.
-
How to use:
Suspension (or a pill for someone who knows how to swallow them). The dose varies according to the site of infection and the weight of the child. For example, in the treatment of ear infections, in a child who is allergic to penicillin, the dose is 10 milligrams per kilogram of body weight once a day for 3 to 5 days. For example, a child weighing 14 kilograms will be treated with 140 milligrams once a day.
-
Benefits:
Easy to use and give. Once a day, usually for 3 to 5 days. Derived from the long half-life of the drug.
The easy administration regimen, is also the main disadvantage of the drug – there is over-use of Azithromycin in pediatrics (and adults).
-
Side Effects:
Mostly mild abdominal discomfort and maybe some nausea or vomiting.
-
Another word from the doctor:
One of the major indications for Azithromycin treatment in children is clinical dysentery. Read more on how to differentiate viral gastroenteritis from bacterial one in this link.