AzaSite (azithromycin ophthalmic) dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects, and more

Sections

Sections azithromycin ophthalmic
Dosing & Uses
Adverse Effects
Warnings
Pregnancy
Pharmacology
Images
Patient Handout
Formulary

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

Dosage Forms & Strengths

ophthalmic solution

1% (2.5mL)

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Apply 1 gtt to affected eye(s) twice daily (8-12 hours apart) for 2 days; THEN apply 1 gtt qDay for 5 days

Dosage Forms & Strengths

ophthalmic solution

1% (2.5mL)

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

<1 years

Safety & efficacy not established

>1 years

Apply 1 gtt to affected eye(s) twice daily (8-12 hours apart) for 2 days; THEN apply 1 gtt qDay for 5 days

1-10%

Eye irritation (1-2%)

<1%

Anaphylaxis

Contact dermatitis

Corneal erosion

Dry eye

Rash

Urticaria

Dygeusia

Nasal congestion

Ocular discharge

Punctate keratitis

Sinusitis

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity

Cautions

Known hypersensitivity to azithromycin or erythromycin

Serious allergic reactions, including angioedema, anaphylaxis, and dermatologic reactions including Stevens Johnson Syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis have been reported; although rare, fatalities have been reported

Discontinue use if superinfection occurs

May result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms including fungi

Avoid contact lens wear during therapy of S/S of bacterial conjunctivitis

Do not administer systemically; inject SC; or apply directly into anterior eye chamber

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category: B

Lactation: Excretion in milk unknown; use with caution

Pregnancy Categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

Mechanism of Action

Inhibits protein synthesis in susceptible organisms by binding to 50S ribosomal subunits, thereby inhibiting translocation of aminoacyl transfer-RNA & inhibiting polypeptide synthesis

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Negligible

Images

No images available for this drug.

Patient Handout

A Patient Handout is not currently available for this monograph.

Formulary

FormularyPatient Discounts

Adding plans allows you to compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.

To view formulary information first create a list of plans. Your list will be saved and can be edited at any time.

Create Your List of Plans

Adding plans allows you to:

View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
Manage and view all your plans together – even plans in different states.
Compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
Access your plan list on any device – mobile or desktop.

The above information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Individual plans may vary and formulary information changes. Contact the applicable plan provider for the most current information.

View explanations for tiers and restrictions

Tier	Description
1	This drug is available at the lowest co-pay. Most commonly, these are generic drugs.
2	This drug is available at a middle level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "preferred" (on formulary) brand drugs.
3	This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs.
4	This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
5	This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
6	This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
NC	NOT COVERED – Drugs that are not covered by the plan.

Code	Definition
PA	Prior Authorization Drugs that require prior authorization. This restriction requires that specific clinical criteria be met prior to the approval of the prescription.
QL	Quantity Limits Drugs that have quantity limits associated with each prescription. This restriction typically limits the quantity of the drug that will be covered.
ST	Step Therapy Drugs that have step therapy associated with each prescription. This restriction typically requires that certain criteria be met prior to approval for the prescription.
OR	Other Restrictions Drugs that have restrictions other than prior authorization, quantity limits, and step therapy associated with each prescription.

Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.

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