Zithromax®/azithromycin

Question

Dear expert team,

I have a question: does it make sense to administer Zithromax® three times a week? Are there any objections concerning resistances? Which side effects have to be expected?

Many thanks.

Answer

Hello,

yes, it does make sene (please find extended information under Topics--antibiotic therapy--"Azithromycin at chronic PSA" and "Permanent therapy with azithromycin"). Resistances are rare and the side effects only minor for most people who are taking it: slight nausea and diarrhea are most frequent, but the drug is stopped only rarely because of that. Since it seems to have anti-inflammatory effects and to also affect pseudomonas, most centers recommend it and many patients have taken it for years without any significant problems.

Kind regards
Prof. Dr. Joachim Bargon

07.09.2010

7.9.10 The questioner did probably mean with his question if not only the administration of Azithromycin in general makes sense but the dosage of three times a week? The performed studies on this topic used dosages that ranged from 250mg or 500mg three times a week to 250mg daily; so the mentioned dosage is within that range. I could not find anything about occuring resistances because of the administration of azithromycin, which is not only given because of its antimicrobial effect but also because of its antiinflammatory properties, the latter are independent of deveolping resistances.
D. d'Alquen