Browse the corpus

Bacterial conjunctivitis: Ophthalmic: Instill 1 drop into affected eye(s) twice daily (8-12 hours apart) for 2 days, then 1 drop into affected eye(s) once daily for 5 days Dosing: Pediatric (For additional information see "Azithromycin (ophthalmic): Pediatric drug information" )

Bacterial conjunctivitis: Children ≥1 year: Refer to adult dosing. Dosing: Geriatric Refer to adult dosing. Dosage Forms: U.S. Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. Solution, ophthalmic [drops]: AzaSite®: 1% (2.5 mL) [contains benzalkonium chloride] Generic Equivalent Available: U.S. No Administration For ophthalmic use only; avoid touching tip of applicator to eye or other surfaces. Invert closed bottle and shake once before each use. With bottle inverted, remove cap, tilt head back and gently squeeze bottle to instill drop. Wash hands before and after instillation. Use Treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis caused by susceptible microorganisms Medication Safety Issues Sound-alike/look-alike issues: Azithromycin may be confused with azathioprine, erythromycin Adverse Reactions Significant 1% to 10%: Ocular: Eye irritation (1% to 2%) <1% (Limited to important or life-threatening): Abnormal taste, blurred vision, contact dermatitis, corneal erosion, dry eyes, eye pain, facial edema, hives, nasal congestion, ocular reactions (burning, discharge, irritation, itching, stinging), periocular swelling, punctate keratitis, rash, sinusitis, urticaria, visual acuity decreased Contraindications Hypersensitivity to azithromycin or any component of the formulation Warnings/Precautions

Concerns related to adverse effects: • Hypersensitivity reactions: Severe hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, angioedema, and dermatologic reactions, have been reported with systemic use of azithromycin. • Superinfection: Prolonged use may lead to overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi. Discontinue use and institute alternative therapy if superinfection is suspected.

Other warnings/precautions: • Appropriate use: For topical ophthalmic use only; do not inject subconjunctivally or introduce directly into the anterior chamber of the eye. Metabolism/Transport Effects None known. Drug Interactions (For additional information: Launch Lexi-Interact™ Drug Interactions Program ) Sodium Picosulfate: Antibiotics may diminish the therapeutic effect of Sodium Picosulfate. Management: Consider using an alternative product for bowel cleansing prior to a colonoscopy in patients who have recently used or are concurrently using an antibiotic. Risk D: Consider therapy modification Pregnancy Risk Factor B ( show table ) Pregnancy Implications Adverse events were not observed in animal reproduction studies. The amount of azithromycin available systemically following topical application of the ophthalmic drops is estimated to be below quantifiable limits. Systemic absorption would be required in order for azithromycin to cross the placenta and reach the fetus. When administered orally or I.V., azithromycin crosses the placenta. Refer to the Azithromycin (Systemic) monograph for details. Lactation Excretion in breast milk unknown/use caution Breast-Feeding Considerations The amount of azithromycin available systemically following topical application of the ophthalmic drops is estimated to be below quantifiable limits. Systemic absorption would be required in order for azithromycin to enter breast milk. The manufacturer recommends that caution be exercised when administering azithromycin eye drops to nursing women. When administered orally or I.V., azithromycin enters breast milk. Refer to the Azithromycin (Systemic) monograph for details. Pricing: U.S. (Medi-Span®)

Solution (AzaSite Ophthalmic) 1% (2.5 mL): $108.95 International Brand Names Azyter (DE, FR, GB, HK, ID, IE, PT, TH) Mechanism of Action Inhibits RNA-dependent protein synthesis at the chain elongation step; binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit resulting in blockage of transpeptidation Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics Absorption: Systemic absorption estimated to be negligible Use of UpToDate is subject to the Subscription and License Agreement . Topic 8770 Version 38.0 © 2013 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. | Subscription and License Agreement | Release: 21.6- C21.56 Licensed to: AsanBook Dig. Med. Lib. | Support Tag: [1105-83.177.194.223-F706DDF602-S244013.14]