- Class
- Macrolides
- Body system
- Anti-infectives
- Brand names
- Zithromax, Z-Pak
What is Azithromycin used for?
- Community-acquired pneumonia
- Sinusitis, pharyngitis and otitis media
- Chlamydia
- Pertussis
How Azithromycin works
Macrolide: binds the bacterial 50S ribosome and blocks protein synthesis.
Common side effects
- Diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain
- QT prolongation
- Liver enzyme elevation
Report right away
- Fast or irregular heartbeat, fainting
- Yellow skin or eyes
- Severe or watery diarrhea, even weeks after finishing (C. difficile infection)
Nursing considerations for Azithromycin
- Use caution with QT prolongation, low potassium or magnesium, bradycardia and other QT-prolonging drugs.
- IV: infuse over the time the label requires (not as a bolus).
Patient teaching
- Finish the full course, even though it is short.
- Do not take aluminum or magnesium antacids at the same time as the oral suspension or tablets.
This card does not list doses. Use the prescriber's order, the product label and a current drug reference for dosing, and follow your facility's policies.
Macrolides practice questions
NCLEX-style questions on the class Azithromycin belongs to.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
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Which ECG change is a concern with azithromycin?
Show answer
Answer D: Prolonged QT interval Macrolides can prolong the QT interval and cause torsades de pointes.
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Which macrolide is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor with many drug interactions?
Show answer
Answer C: Clarithromycin Clarithromycin (and erythromycin) strongly inhibit CYP3A4; azithromycin has fewer interactions.
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A common indication for a macrolide is:
Show answer
Answer A: Atypical pneumonia Macrolides cover atypical organisms such as Mycoplasma and Chlamydophila.
Frequently asked questions
What is Azithromycin used for?
Community-acquired pneumonia; Sinusitis, pharyngitis and otitis media; Chlamydia; Pertussis.
What drug class is Azithromycin?
Azithromycin belongs to the class macrolides. Macrolide: binds the bacterial 50S ribosome and blocks protein synthesis.
What are the nursing considerations for Azithromycin?
Use caution with QT prolongation, low potassium or magnesium, bradycardia and other QT-prolonging drugs. IV: infuse over the time the label requires (not as a bolus).
What should patients report while taking Azithromycin?
fast or irregular heartbeat, fainting; yellow skin or eyes; severe or watery diarrhea, even weeks after finishing (C. difficile infection).