ZITHROMAX® IV Clinical Pharmacology

(azithromycin dihydrate IV)

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Azithromycin is a macrolide antibacterial drug [see Microbiology (12.4)]

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

Based on animal models of infection, the antibacterial activity of azithromycin appears to correlate with the ratio of area under the concentration-time curve to minimum inhibitory concentration (AUC/MIC) for certain pathogens (S. pneumoniae and S. aureus). The principal pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic parameter best associated with clinical and microbiological cure has not been elucidated in clinical trials with azithromycin.

Cardiac Electrophysiology

QTc interval prolongation was studied in a randomized, placebo-controlled parallel trial in 116 healthy subjects who received either chloroquine (1,000 mg) alone or in combination with oral azithromycin (500 mg, 1,000 mg, and 1,500 mg once daily). Co-administration of azithromycin increased the QTc interval in a dose- and concentration- dependent manner. In comparison to chloroquine alone, the maximum mean (95% upper confidence bound) increases in QTcF were 5 (10) ms, 7 (12) ms and 9 (14) ms with the co-administration of 500 mg, 1,000 mg and 1,500 mg azithromycin, respectively.

Since the mean Cmax of azithromycin following a 500 mg IV dose given over 1 hr is higher than the mean Cmax of azithromycin following the administration of a 1,500 mg oral dose, it is possible that QTc may be prolonged to a greater extent with IV azithromycin at close proximity to a one hour infusion of 500 mg.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

In patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia receiving single daily one-hour intravenous infusions for 2 to 5 days of 500 mg azithromycin at a concentration of 2 mg/mL, the mean Cmax ± S.D. achieved was 3.63 ± 1.60 mcg/mL, while the 24-hour trough level was 0.20 ± 0.15 mcg/mL, and the AUC24 was 9.60 ± 4.80 mcg∙hr/mL.

The mean Cmax, 24-hour trough and AUC24 values were 1.14 ± 0.14 mcg/mL, 0.18 ± 0.02 mcg/mL, and 8.03 ±0.86 mcg∙hr/mL, respectively, in normal volunteers receiving a 3-hour intravenous infusion of 500 mg azithromycin at a concentration of 1 mg/mL. Similar pharmacokinetic values were obtained in patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia who received the same 3-hour dosage regimen for 2–5 days.

Infusion Concentration, DurationTime after starting the infusion (hr)
0.51234681224
*
500 mg (2 mg/mL) for 2–5 days in community-acquired pneumonia patients.
500 mg (1 mg/mL) for 5 days in healthy subjects.
2 mg/mL, 1 hr*2.98 ±1.123.63 ±1.730.60 ±0.310.40 ±0.230.33 ±0.160.26 ±0.140.27±0.150.20 ±0.120.20 ±0.15
1 mg/mL, 3 hr0.91 ±0.131.02 ±0.111.14 ±0.131.13 ±0.160.32 ±0.050.28 ±0.040.27±0.030.22 ±0.020.18 ±0.02

Comparison of the plasma pharmacokinetic parameters following the 1st and 5th daily doses of 500 mg intravenous azithromycin showed only an 8% increase in Cmax but a 61% increase in AUC24 reflecting a threefold rise in C24 trough levels.

Following single-oral doses of 500 mg azithromycin (two 250 mg capsules) to 12 healthy volunteers, Cmax, trough level, and AUC24 were reported to be 0.41 mcg/mL, 0.05 mcg/mL, and 2.6 mcg∙hr/mL, respectively. These oral values are approximately 38%, 83%, and 52% of the values observed following a single 500-mg I.V. 3-hour infusion (Cmax: 1.08 mcg/mL, trough: 0.06 mcg/mL, and AUC24: 5 mcg∙hr/mL). Thus, plasma concentrations are higher following the intravenous regimen throughout the 24-hour interval.

Distribution

The serum protein binding of azithromycin is variable in the concentration range approximating human exposure, decreasing from 51% at 0.02 mcg/mL to 7% at 2 mcg/mL.

Tissue concentrations have not been obtained following intravenous infusions of azithromycin, but following oral administration in humans azithromycin has been shown to penetrate into tissues, including skin, lung, tonsil, and cervix.

Tissue levels were determined following a single oral dose of 500 mg azithromycin in 7 gynecological patients. Approximately 17 hr after dosing, azithromycin concentrations were 2.7 mcg/g in ovarian tissue, 3.5 mcg/g in uterine tissue, and 3.3 mcg/g in salpinx. Following a regimen of 500 mg on the first day followed by 250 mg daily for 4 days, concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid were less than 0.01 mcg/mL in the presence of non-inflamed meninges.

Metabolism

In vitro and in vivo studies to assess the metabolism of azithromycin have not been performed.

Elimination

Plasma concentrations of azithromycin following single 500 mg oral and IV doses declined in a polyphasic pattern with a mean apparent plasma clearance of 630 mL/min and terminal elimination half-life of 68 hr. The prolonged terminal half-life is thought to be due to extensive uptake and subsequent release of drug from tissues.

In a multiple-dose study in 12 normal volunteers utilizing a 500 mg (1 mg/mL) one-hour intravenous-dosage regimen for five days, the amount of administered azithromycin dose excreted in urine in 24 hr was about 11% after the 1st dose and 14% after the 5th dose. These values are greater than the reported 6% excreted unchanged in urine after oral administration of azithromycin. Biliary excretion is a major route of elimination for unchanged drug, following oral administration.

Specific Populations

Patients with Renal Impairment

Azithromycin pharmacokinetics were investigated in 42 adults (21 to 85 years of age) with varying degrees of renal impairment. Following the oral administration of a single 1,000 mg dose of azithromycin, mean Cmax and AUC0–120 increased by 5.1% and 4.2%, respectively in subjects with mild to moderate renal impairment (GFR 10 to 80 mL/min) compared to subjects with normal renal function (GFR >80 mL/min). The mean Cmax and AUC0–120 increased 61% and 35%, respectively in subjects with severe renal impairment (GFR <10 mL/min) compared to subjects with normal renal function (GFR >80 mL/min).

Patients with Hepatic Impairment

The pharmacokinetics of azithromycin in subjects with hepatic impairment has not been established.

Male and Female Patients

There are no significant differences in the disposition of azithromycin between male and female subjects. No dosage adjustment is recommended based on gender.

Geriatric Patients

Pharmacokinetic studies with intravenous azithromycin have not been performed in older volunteers. Pharmacokinetics of azithromycin following oral administration in older volunteers (65–85 years old) were similar to those in younger volunteers (18–40 years old) for the 5-day therapeutic regimen. [see Geriatric Use 8.5)].

Pediatric Patients

Pharmacokinetic studies with intravenous azithromycin have not been performed in children.

Drug Interaction Studies

Drug interaction studies were performed with oral azithromycin and other drugs likely to be co-administered. The effects of co-administration of azithromycin on the pharmacokinetics of other drugs are shown in Table 1 and the effects of other drugs on the pharmacokinetics of azithromycin are shown in Table 2.

Co-administration of azithromycin at therapeutic doses had a modest effect on the pharmacokinetics of the drugs listed in Table 1. No dosage adjustment of drugs listed in Table 1 is recommended when co-administered with azithromycin.

Co-administration of azithromycin with efavirenz or fluconazole had a modest effect on the pharmacokinetics of azithromycin. Nelfinavir significantly increased the Cmax and AUC of azithromycin. No dosage adjustment of azithromycin is recommended when administered with drugs listed in Table 2 [see Drug Interactions (7.3)].

Table 1. Drug Interactions: Pharmacokinetic Parameters for Co-administered Drugs in the Presence of Azithromycin
Co-administered DrugDose of Co-administered DrugDose of AzithromycinnRatio (with/without azithromycin) of Co-administered Drug Pharmacokinetic Parameters (90% CI); No Effect = 1
Mean CmaxMean AUC
*
- 90% Confidence interval not reported
Atorvastatin10 mg/day for 8 days500 mg/day orally on days 6–8120.83
(0.63 to 1.08)
1.01
(0.81 to 1.25)
Carbamazepine200 mg/day for 2 days, then 200 mg twice a day for 18 days500 mg/day orally for days 16–1870.97
(0.88 to 1.06)
0.96
(0.88 to 1.06)
Cetirizine20 mg/day for 11 days500 mg orally on day 7, then 250 mg/day on days 8–11141.03
(0.93 to 1.14)
1.02
(0.92 to 1.13)
Didanosine200 mg orally twice a day for 21 days1,200 mg/day orally on days 8–2161.44
(0.85 to 2.43)
1.14
(0.83 to 1.57)
Efavirenz400 mg/day for 7 days600 mg orally on day 7141.04*0.95*
Fluconazole200 mg orally single dose1,200 mg orally single dose181.04
(0.98 to 1.11)
1.01
(0.97 to 1.05)
Indinavir800 mg three times a day for 5 days1,200 mg orally on day 5180.96
(0.86 to 1.08)
0.9
(0.81 to 1)
Midazolam15 mg orally on day 3500 mg/day orally for 3 days121.27
(0.89 to 1.81)
1.26
(1.01 to 1.56)
Nelfinavir750 mg three times a day for 11 days1,200 mg orally on day 9140.9
(0.81 to 1.01)
0.85
(0.78 to 0.93)
Sildenafil100 mg on days 1 and 4500 mg/day orally for 3 days121.16
(0.86 to 1.57)
0.92
(0.75 to 1.12)
Theophylline4 mg/kg IV on days 1, 11, 25500 mg orally on day 7, 250 mg/day on days 8–11101.19
(1.02 to 1.4)
1.02
(0.86 to 1.22)
Theophylline300 mg orally BID ×15 days500 mg orally on day 6, then 250 mg/day on days 7–1081.09
(0.92 to 1.29)
1.08
(0.89 to 1.31)
Triazolam0.125 mg on day 2500 mg orally on day 1, then 250 mg/day on day 2121.06*1.02*
Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole160 mg/800 mg/day orally for 7 days1,200 mg orally on day 7120.85
(0.75 to 0.97)/
0.9
(0.78 to 1.03)
0.87
(0.8 to 0.95/
0.96
(0.88 to 1.03)
Zidovudine500 mg/day orally for 21 days600 mg/day orally for 14 days51.12
(0.42 to 3.02)
0.94
(0.52 to 1.7)
Zidovudine500 mg/day orally for 21 days1,200 mg/day orally for 14 days41.31
(0.43 to 3.97)
1.3
(0.69 to 2.43)
Table 2. Drug Interactions: Pharmacokinetic Parameters for Azithromycin in the Presence of Co-administered Drugs [see Drug Interactions (7.3)].
Co-administered DrugDose of Co-administered DrugDose of AzithromycinnRatio (with/without co-administered drug) of Azithromycin Pharmacokinetic Parameters (90% CI); No Effect = 1
Mean CmaxMean AUC
*
- 90% Confidence interval not reported
Efavirenz400 mg/day for 7 days 600 mg orally on day 7141.22
(1.04 to 1.42)
0.92*
Fluconazole200 mg orally single dose1,200 mg orally single dose180.82
(0.66 to 1.02)
1.07
(0.94 to 1.22)
Nelfinavir750 mg three times a day for 11 days1,200 mg orally on day 9142.36
(1.77 to 3.15)
2.12
(1.80 to 2.5)

12.4 Microbiology

Mechanism of Action

Azithromycin acts by binding to the 23S rRNA of the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible microorganisms inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis and impeding the assembly of the 50S ribosomal subunit.

Resistance

Azithromycin demonstrates cross-resistance with erythromycin. The most frequently encountered mechanism of resistance to azithromycin is modification of the 23S rRNA target, most often by methylation. Ribosomal modifications can determine cross resistance to other macrolides, lincosamides and streptogramin B (MLSB phenotype).

Antimicrobial Activity

Azithromycin has been shown to be active against the following microorganisms, both in vitro and in clinical infections. [see Indications and Usage (1)]

Gram-positive Bacteria
Staphylococcus aureus
Streptococcus pneumoniae

Gram-negative Bacteria
Haemophilus influenzae
Moraxella catarrhalis
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Legionella pneumophila

Other Bacteria
Chlamydophila pneumoniae
Chlamydia trachomatis
Mycoplasma hominis
Mycoplasma pneumoniae

The following in vitro data are available, but their clinical significance is unknown. At least 90 percent of the following bacteria exhibit an in vitro minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) less than or equal to the susceptible breakpoint for azithromycin against isolates of similar genus or organism group. However, the efficacy of azithromycin in treating clinical infections caused by these bacteria has not been established in adequate and well-controlled clinical trials.

Aerobic Gram-Positive Bacteria
Streptococci (Groups C, F, G)
Viridans group streptococci

Gram-Negative Bacteria
Bordetella pertussis

Anaerobic Bacteria
Peptostreptococcus species
Prevotella bivia

Other Bacteria
Ureaplasma urealyticum

Susceptibility Testing

For specific information regarding susceptibility test interpretive criteria and associated test methods and quality control standards recognized by FDA for this drug, please see: https://www.fda.gov/STIC.

Find ZITHROMAX® IV medical information:

Find ZITHROMAX® IV medical information:

Our scientific content is evidence-based, scientifically balanced and non-promotional. It undergoes rigorous internal medical review and is updated regularly to reflect new information.

ZITHROMAX® IV Quick Finder

Prescribing Information
Download Prescribing Information

Health Professional Information

Clinical Pharmacology

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Azithromycin is a macrolide antibacterial drug [see Microbiology (12.4)]

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

Based on animal models of infection, the antibacterial activity of azithromycin appears to correlate with the ratio of area under the concentration-time curve to minimum inhibitory concentration (AUC/MIC) for certain pathogens (S. pneumoniae and S. aureus). The principal pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic parameter best associated with clinical and microbiological cure has not been elucidated in clinical trials with azithromycin.

Cardiac Electrophysiology

QTc interval prolongation was studied in a randomized, placebo-controlled parallel trial in 116 healthy subjects who received either chloroquine (1,000 mg) alone or in combination with oral azithromycin (500 mg, 1,000 mg, and 1,500 mg once daily). Co-administration of azithromycin increased the QTc interval in a dose- and concentration- dependent manner. In comparison to chloroquine alone, the maximum mean (95% upper confidence bound) increases in QTcF were 5 (10) ms, 7 (12) ms and 9 (14) ms with the co-administration of 500 mg, 1,000 mg and 1,500 mg azithromycin, respectively.

Since the mean Cmax of azithromycin following a 500 mg IV dose given over 1 hr is higher than the mean Cmax of azithromycin following the administration of a 1,500 mg oral dose, it is possible that QTc may be prolonged to a greater extent with IV azithromycin at close proximity to a one hour infusion of 500 mg.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

In patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia receiving single daily one-hour intravenous infusions for 2 to 5 days of 500 mg azithromycin at a concentration of 2 mg/mL, the mean Cmax ± S.D. achieved was 3.63 ± 1.60 mcg/mL, while the 24-hour trough level was 0.20 ± 0.15 mcg/mL, and the AUC24 was 9.60 ± 4.80 mcg∙hr/mL.

The mean Cmax, 24-hour trough and AUC24 values were 1.14 ± 0.14 mcg/mL, 0.18 ± 0.02 mcg/mL, and 8.03 ±0.86 mcg∙hr/mL, respectively, in normal volunteers receiving a 3-hour intravenous infusion of 500 mg azithromycin at a concentration of 1 mg/mL. Similar pharmacokinetic values were obtained in patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia who received the same 3-hour dosage regimen for 2–5 days.

Infusion Concentration, DurationTime after starting the infusion (hr)
0.51234681224
*
500 mg (2 mg/mL) for 2–5 days in community-acquired pneumonia patients.
500 mg (1 mg/mL) for 5 days in healthy subjects.
2 mg/mL, 1 hr*2.98 ±1.123.63 ±1.730.60 ±0.310.40 ±0.230.33 ±0.160.26 ±0.140.27±0.150.20 ±0.120.20 ±0.15
1 mg/mL, 3 hr0.91 ±0.131.02 ±0.111.14 ±0.131.13 ±0.160.32 ±0.050.28 ±0.040.27±0.030.22 ±0.020.18 ±0.02

Comparison of the plasma pharmacokinetic parameters following the 1st and 5th daily doses of 500 mg intravenous azithromycin showed only an 8% increase in Cmax but a 61% increase in AUC24 reflecting a threefold rise in C24 trough levels.

Following single-oral doses of 500 mg azithromycin (two 250 mg capsules) to 12 healthy volunteers, Cmax, trough level, and AUC24 were reported to be 0.41 mcg/mL, 0.05 mcg/mL, and 2.6 mcg∙hr/mL, respectively. These oral values are approximately 38%, 83%, and 52% of the values observed following a single 500-mg I.V. 3-hour infusion (Cmax: 1.08 mcg/mL, trough: 0.06 mcg/mL, and AUC24: 5 mcg∙hr/mL). Thus, plasma concentrations are higher following the intravenous regimen throughout the 24-hour interval.

Distribution

The serum protein binding of azithromycin is variable in the concentration range approximating human exposure, decreasing from 51% at 0.02 mcg/mL to 7% at 2 mcg/mL.

Tissue concentrations have not been obtained following intravenous infusions of azithromycin, but following oral administration in humans azithromycin has been shown to penetrate into tissues, including skin, lung, tonsil, and cervix.

Tissue levels were determined following a single oral dose of 500 mg azithromycin in 7 gynecological patients. Approximately 17 hr after dosing, azithromycin concentrations were 2.7 mcg/g in ovarian tissue, 3.5 mcg/g in uterine tissue, and 3.3 mcg/g in salpinx. Following a regimen of 500 mg on the first day followed by 250 mg daily for 4 days, concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid were less than 0.01 mcg/mL in the presence of non-inflamed meninges.

Metabolism

In vitro and in vivo studies to assess the metabolism of azithromycin have not been performed.

Elimination

Plasma concentrations of azithromycin following single 500 mg oral and IV doses declined in a polyphasic pattern with a mean apparent plasma clearance of 630 mL/min and terminal elimination half-life of 68 hr. The prolonged terminal half-life is thought to be due to extensive uptake and subsequent release of drug from tissues.

In a multiple-dose study in 12 normal volunteers utilizing a 500 mg (1 mg/mL) one-hour intravenous-dosage regimen for five days, the amount of administered azithromycin dose excreted in urine in 24 hr was about 11% after the 1st dose and 14% after the 5th dose. These values are greater than the reported 6% excreted unchanged in urine after oral administration of azithromycin. Biliary excretion is a major route of elimination for unchanged drug, following oral administration.

Specific Populations

Patients with Renal Impairment

Azithromycin pharmacokinetics were investigated in 42 adults (21 to 85 years of age) with varying degrees of renal impairment. Following the oral administration of a single 1,000 mg dose of azithromycin, mean Cmax and AUC0–120 increased by 5.1% and 4.2%, respectively in subjects with mild to moderate renal impairment (GFR 10 to 80 mL/min) compared to subjects with normal renal function (GFR >80 mL/min). The mean Cmax and AUC0–120 increased 61% and 35%, respectively in subjects with severe renal impairment (GFR <10 mL/min) compared to subjects with normal renal function (GFR >80 mL/min).

Patients with Hepatic Impairment

The pharmacokinetics of azithromycin in subjects with hepatic impairment has not been established.

Male and Female Patients

There are no significant differences in the disposition of azithromycin between male and female subjects. No dosage adjustment is recommended based on gender.

Geriatric Patients

Pharmacokinetic studies with intravenous azithromycin have not been performed in older volunteers. Pharmacokinetics of azithromycin following oral administration in older volunteers (65–85 years old) were similar to those in younger volunteers (18–40 years old) for the 5-day therapeutic regimen. [see Geriatric Use 8.5)].

Pediatric Patients

Pharmacokinetic studies with intravenous azithromycin have not been performed in children.

Drug Interaction Studies

Drug interaction studies were performed with oral azithromycin and other drugs likely to be co-administered. The effects of co-administration of azithromycin on the pharmacokinetics of other drugs are shown in Table 1 and the effects of other drugs on the pharmacokinetics of azithromycin are shown in Table 2.

Co-administration of azithromycin at therapeutic doses had a modest effect on the pharmacokinetics of the drugs listed in Table 1. No dosage adjustment of drugs listed in Table 1 is recommended when co-administered with azithromycin.

Co-administration of azithromycin with efavirenz or fluconazole had a modest effect on the pharmacokinetics of azithromycin. Nelfinavir significantly increased the Cmax and AUC of azithromycin. No dosage adjustment of azithromycin is recommended when administered with drugs listed in Table 2 [see Drug Interactions (7.3)].

Table 1. Drug Interactions: Pharmacokinetic Parameters for Co-administered Drugs in the Presence of Azithromycin
Co-administered DrugDose of Co-administered DrugDose of AzithromycinnRatio (with/without azithromycin) of Co-administered Drug Pharmacokinetic Parameters (90% CI); No Effect = 1
Mean CmaxMean AUC
*
- 90% Confidence interval not reported
Atorvastatin10 mg/day for 8 days500 mg/day orally on days 6–8120.83
(0.63 to 1.08)
1.01
(0.81 to 1.25)
Carbamazepine200 mg/day for 2 days, then 200 mg twice a day for 18 days500 mg/day orally for days 16–1870.97
(0.88 to 1.06)
0.96
(0.88 to 1.06)
Cetirizine20 mg/day for 11 days500 mg orally on day 7, then 250 mg/day on days 8–11141.03
(0.93 to 1.14)
1.02
(0.92 to 1.13)
Didanosine200 mg orally twice a day for 21 days1,200 mg/day orally on days 8–2161.44
(0.85 to 2.43)
1.14
(0.83 to 1.57)
Efavirenz400 mg/day for 7 days600 mg orally on day 7141.04*0.95*
Fluconazole200 mg orally single dose1,200 mg orally single dose181.04
(0.98 to 1.11)
1.01
(0.97 to 1.05)
Indinavir800 mg three times a day for 5 days1,200 mg orally on day 5180.96
(0.86 to 1.08)
0.9
(0.81 to 1)
Midazolam15 mg orally on day 3500 mg/day orally for 3 days121.27
(0.89 to 1.81)
1.26
(1.01 to 1.56)
Nelfinavir750 mg three times a day for 11 days1,200 mg orally on day 9140.9
(0.81 to 1.01)
0.85
(0.78 to 0.93)
Sildenafil100 mg on days 1 and 4500 mg/day orally for 3 days121.16
(0.86 to 1.57)
0.92
(0.75 to 1.12)
Theophylline4 mg/kg IV on days 1, 11, 25500 mg orally on day 7, 250 mg/day on days 8–11101.19
(1.02 to 1.4)
1.02
(0.86 to 1.22)
Theophylline300 mg orally BID ×15 days500 mg orally on day 6, then 250 mg/day on days 7–1081.09
(0.92 to 1.29)
1.08
(0.89 to 1.31)
Triazolam0.125 mg on day 2500 mg orally on day 1, then 250 mg/day on day 2121.06*1.02*
Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole160 mg/800 mg/day orally for 7 days1,200 mg orally on day 7120.85
(0.75 to 0.97)/
0.9
(0.78 to 1.03)
0.87
(0.8 to 0.95/
0.96
(0.88 to 1.03)
Zidovudine500 mg/day orally for 21 days600 mg/day orally for 14 days51.12
(0.42 to 3.02)
0.94
(0.52 to 1.7)
Zidovudine500 mg/day orally for 21 days1,200 mg/day orally for 14 days41.31
(0.43 to 3.97)
1.3
(0.69 to 2.43)
Table 2. Drug Interactions: Pharmacokinetic Parameters for Azithromycin in the Presence of Co-administered Drugs [see Drug Interactions (7.3)].
Co-administered DrugDose of Co-administered DrugDose of AzithromycinnRatio (with/without co-administered drug) of Azithromycin Pharmacokinetic Parameters (90% CI); No Effect = 1
Mean CmaxMean AUC
*
- 90% Confidence interval not reported
Efavirenz400 mg/day for 7 days 600 mg orally on day 7141.22
(1.04 to 1.42)
0.92*
Fluconazole200 mg orally single dose1,200 mg orally single dose180.82
(0.66 to 1.02)
1.07
(0.94 to 1.22)
Nelfinavir750 mg three times a day for 11 days1,200 mg orally on day 9142.36
(1.77 to 3.15)
2.12
(1.80 to 2.5)

12.4 Microbiology

Mechanism of Action

Azithromycin acts by binding to the 23S rRNA of the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible microorganisms inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis and impeding the assembly of the 50S ribosomal subunit.

Resistance

Azithromycin demonstrates cross-resistance with erythromycin. The most frequently encountered mechanism of resistance to azithromycin is modification of the 23S rRNA target, most often by methylation. Ribosomal modifications can determine cross resistance to other macrolides, lincosamides and streptogramin B (MLSB phenotype).

Antimicrobial Activity

Azithromycin has been shown to be active against the following microorganisms, both in vitro and in clinical infections. [see Indications and Usage (1)]

Gram-positive Bacteria
Staphylococcus aureus
Streptococcus pneumoniae

Gram-negative Bacteria
Haemophilus influenzae
Moraxella catarrhalis
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Legionella pneumophila

Other Bacteria
Chlamydophila pneumoniae
Chlamydia trachomatis
Mycoplasma hominis
Mycoplasma pneumoniae

The following in vitro data are available, but their clinical significance is unknown. At least 90 percent of the following bacteria exhibit an in vitro minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) less than or equal to the susceptible breakpoint for azithromycin against isolates of similar genus or organism group. However, the efficacy of azithromycin in treating clinical infections caused by these bacteria has not been established in adequate and well-controlled clinical trials.

Aerobic Gram-Positive Bacteria
Streptococci (Groups C, F, G)
Viridans group streptococci

Gram-Negative Bacteria
Bordetella pertussis

Anaerobic Bacteria
Peptostreptococcus species
Prevotella bivia

Other Bacteria
Ureaplasma urealyticum

Susceptibility Testing

For specific information regarding susceptibility test interpretive criteria and associated test methods and quality control standards recognized by FDA for this drug, please see: https://www.fda.gov/STIC.

Medication Guide

Health Professional Information

{{section_name_patient}}

{{section_body_html_patient}}

Resources

Didn’t find what you were looking for? Contact us.

MI Digital Assistant

Chat online with Pfizer Medical Information regarding your inquiry on a Pfizer medicine.

Call 800-438-1985*

*Speak with a Pfizer Medical Information Professional regarding your medical inquiry. Available 9AM-5PM ET Monday to Friday; excluding holidays.

Medical Inquiry

Submit a medical question for Pfizer prescription products.

Report Adverse Event

Pfizer Safety

To report an adverse event related to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, and you are not part of a clinical trial* for this product, click the link below to submit your information:

Pfizer Safety Reporting Site

*If you are involved in a clinical trial for this product, adverse events should be reported to your coordinating study site.

If you cannot use the above website, or would like to report an adverse event related to a different Pfizer product, please call Pfizer Safety at (800) 438-1985.

FDA Medwatch

You may also contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) directly to report adverse events or product quality concerns either online at www.fda.gov/medwatch or call (800) 822-7967.