neobookRx
DrugsLevel 4 LocalisationS4GRA · SUS · INJ · CAP · TAB · FCT · POIEML

Azithromycin

MacrolideAntibacterial

Indications

These indications are based on manufacturer information for both originator and generic products. For product specific registered indications, please refer to product specific manufacturer information

Registered South African indications: 

  • Lower respiratory tract infections, including bronchitis due to Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Streptococcus pneumoniae or Staphylococcus aureus, or pneumonia due to Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae
  • Upper respiratory tract infections, including sinusitis or pharyngitis/ tonsilitis due to Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Moraxella catarrhalis or Streptococcus pyogenes
  • Community-acquired pneumonia due to Chlamydia pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae or Legionella pneumophila
  • Uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections
  • Otitis media caused by susceptible organisms
  • Uncomplicated genital infections due to Chlamydia trachomatis and/or non-multiresistant Neisseria gonorrhoea
  • Chancroid due to Haemophilus ducreyi (tab)

Cautions

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any of its excipients
  • Hypersensitivity to erythromycin, macrolide or ketolide antibiotics
  • Hypersensitivity to soya lecithin (tab)
  • Coadministration with ergot derivatives (inj)

Cautions

  • Pregnancy
  • Breastfeeding
  • Severe renal impairment
  • Severe hepatic impairment
  • Pre-existing hepatic disease
  • Ongoing proarrhythmic conditions (especially women and elderly patients)
  • Congenital or documented QT prolongation
  • Electrolyte disturbance, particularly hypokalaemia or hypomagnesemia
  • Clinically relevant bradycardia, cardiac arrhythmia or severe cardiac insufficiency
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Prevention or treatment of Mycobacterium avium complex in children
  • Severe infections requiring high doses rapidly
  • Empiric treatment of infections in areas where the prevalence of resistant isolates ≥10%
  • Infected burn wounds
  • Concomitant infection by T. pallidum
  • Neurological or psychiatric disorders
  • Low sodium diet (IV)
  • Diabetes mellitus (sus)
  • Fructose intolerance (sus)
  • Glucose-galactose malabsorption (sus, cap)
  • Sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency (sus)
  • Galactose intolerance (cap)
  • Lapp lactase deficiency (cap)

Adult dosage

Forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: inj, tab, prolonged release granules (PR gra), sus, cap

Dosages below include:

  • General dosing range
  • South African Standard Treatment Guidelines indications and dosages
  • Indications and dosages registered in other jurisdictions

Infections causes by: Gram-positive and Gram-negative aerobic cocci (excluding enterococci and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp.); Some Gram-negative bacilli (including Haemophilus spp., Legionella and B pertussis; Others, including: M. pneumoniae, T. pallidum, Chlamydia spp., Clostridium spp., B. bergdorferi

General dosing range

  • Sexually transmitted infections: Oral: 1-2g, immediately as a single dose
  • Other infections: Oral: 250-500mg, dly OR IV: 500mg, dly

See additional prescribing points for administration directions


Specific doses based on individual indications

Please note that the dosages below should be used in combination with regional guidelines, taking into account local antibiotic sensitivities

South African Standard Treatment Guidelines indications and dosages

Prophylaxis for rheumatic fever 
- Severe penicillin allergy

  • Oral (sus, tab, cap): 250mg, dly
    (STG, Adult, 2019; PHC 2020)

Community acquired pneumonia - severe (Additional agent required) 

  • IV: 500mg, as an infusion over ≥60min, dly; Treatment duration: 3 days
    (STG, Adult 2019)

Bronchiectasis 
- Severe penicillin allergy

  • Oral (sus, tab, cap): 500mg, dly; Treatment duration: 10 days (or longer depending on response)
    (STG, Adult 2019)

Peptic ulcer for H. Pylori eradication (Additional agent required)
- Severe penicillin allergy

Impetigo 
- Severe penicillin allergy
Epiglottitis 
- Severe penicillin allergy
Acute rheumatic fever for eradication of streptococci in throat 

- Severe penicillin allergy
Acute otitis media
- Severe penicillin allergy
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - acute infective exacerbation of chronic bronchitis 

- Severe penicillin allergy
Eczema with secondary infection 

- Severe penicillin allergy
Cellulitis
- Severe penicillin allergy
Erysipelas 
- Severe penicillin allergy
Boil 
- Severe penicillin allergy
Abscess
- Severe penicillin allergy
Dental abscess 

- Severe penicillin allergy
Human bites (Additional agent required) 

- Severe penicillin allergy
Animal bites (Additional agent required) 

- Severe penicillin allergy
Otitis externa 

- Severe penicillin allergy
Mastitis 

- Severe penicillin allergy
Acute bacterial sinusitis 

- Severe penicillin allergy
Pharyngitis
- Severe penicillin allergy
Tonsillitis
- Severe penicillin allergy

  • Oral (sus, tab, cap): 500mg, dly; Treatment duration: 3 days
    (STG, Adult 2019; PHC 2020; PHC 2023)

Preterm labour and preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (Additional agent required) 
- Severe penicillin allergy

  • Oral (sus, tab): 500mg, dly; Treatment duration: 3-5 days
    (STG, Adult 2019)

Preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM)
- Following ampicillin IV for 48hrs (Additional agent required)

  • Oral (sus, tab): 1g, as a single dose
    (STG, PHC 2023)

- Severe penicillin allergy 

  • Oral (sus, tab): 1g, as a single dose (and refer urgently)
    (STG, PHC 2023)

Prelabour rupture of membranes at term (PROM) (Additional agent required) 
- Severe penicillin allergy

  • Oral (sus, tab): 500mg, as a single dose (and refer)
    (STG, PHC 2023)

Mycobacteriosis - disseminated non-tuberculous (Additional agent required)

  • Oral (sus, tab): 500mg, dly; Treatment duration: ≥12 months (and the CD4 count has increased to >100 cells/mm3 on ART)  
    (STG, Adult 2019)

Sexually transmitted infections prophylaxis (Additional agent required) 
Sexually transmitted infections - treatment of partners (Additional agent required) 
Management of >1 STI syndrome (Additional agent required) 
- Genital ulcer syndrome + vaginal discharge syndrome (Additional agent required) 
- Lower abdominal pain + genital ulcer syndrome (Additional agent required) 
- Male urethritis syndrome + genital ulcer syndrome (Additional agent required) 
- Scrotal swelling + genital ulcer syndrome (Additional agent required) 
Acute bacterial prostatitis (Additional agent required)
- In men ≤35 years or if there are features of associated urethritis
Gonococcal arthritis 
Reactive arthritis (Additional agent required)
- If urethritis is present
Parents of newborn babies who develop purulent conjunctivitis after birth (Additional agent required)

  • Oral (tab, sus, cap): 1g, as a single dose
    (STG, Adult 2019; PHC 2020)

Male urethritis syndrome (Additional agent required)
Vaginal discharge syndrome (Additional agent required) 

  • Oral (tab, sus, cap): 2g, as a single dose
    (STG, Adult 2019)

Pelvic inflammatory disease - stage I (Additional agent(s) required)

  • Oral (tab, sus, cap): 1g, as a single dose
    (STG, Adult 2019)​​​​​​​

- Severe penicillin allergy

  • Oral (tab, sus, cap): 2g, as a single dose
    (STG, Adult 2019)

Pelvic inflammatory disease - stage II-IV (Additional agent(s) required) 
- To treat chlamydia (including in severe penicillin allergy)

  • Oral (tab, sus, cap): 1g, as a single dose
    (STG, Adult 2019)​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Tick bite fever (in pregnancy) 

  • Oral (tab, sus, cap): 500mg, 12hrly; Treatment duration: 3 days
    (STG, Adult 2019; PHC 2023)

Surgical prophylaxis

  • IV: 500mg, as a single dose
    ​​​​​​​(STG, Adult 2019)

Prophylactic treatment for diphtheria contacts 
- Severe penicillin allergy

  • Oral (tab, sus, cap): 500mg on day 1; THEN 250mg for 4 days
    (STG, Paed. 2017)

Azithromycin is commonly used as an alternative for patients with severe penicillin allergy


Indications and dosages registered in other jurisdictions

Community acquired pneumonia - severe (additional agent required) 

  • IV: 500mg, as an infusion, dly; Minimum duration: 2 days
    THEN 
  • Oral (tab, cap, sus): 500mg, dly; Treatment duration: 10 days

Bronchitis
Community-acquired pneumonia
Sinusitis
Pharyngitis

Tonsillitis

  • Oral (sus, cap, tab): 500mg, dly; Treatment duration: 3 days
  • Oral (PR gra): 2g as a single dose

Otitis media
Skin and soft tissue infections 

  • Oral (sus, cap, tab): 500mg, dly; Treatment duration: 3 days

Uncomplicated genital infection (Chlamydia trachomatis) 

  • Oral (sus, cap, tab): 1g, as a single dose

Uncomplicated genital infection (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) (additional agents required) 

  • Oral (sus, cap, tab): 1-2g, as a single dose

Pelvic inflammatory disease (additional agent required)

  • IV: 500mg, as an infusion, dly, for minimum duration of 1-2 days
    THEN 
  • Oral (tab, cap, sus): 250mg, dly; Max duration: 7 days  

See additional prescribing points

Paediatric dosage

Paed. forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: sus, tab

Paed. dosages below include:

  • General dosing range
  • South African Standard Treatment Guidelines indications and dosages
  • Indications and dosages registered in other jurisdictions

Infections causes by: Gram-positive and Gram-negative aerobic cocci (excluding enterococci and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp.); Some Gram-negative bacilli (including Haemophilus spp., Legionella and B pertussis; Others, including: M. pneumoniae, T. pallidum, Chlamydia spp., Clostridium spp., B. bergdorferi

General dosing range

  • Oral (sus): 5-12mg/kg, dly
  • IV: 10mg/kg/day, dly

See additional prescribing points for administration directions


Specific doses based on individual indications

Please note that the dosages below should be used in combination with regional guidelines, taking into account local antibiotic sensitivities

South African Standard Treatment Guidelines indications and dosages

Mild infection in patients with penicillin allergy 
Boil 
- Severe penicillin allergy
Abscess 
- Severe penicillin allergy
Impetigo 
- Severe penicillin allergy
Acute eczema with secondary infection 
- Severe penicillin allergy
Measles (with otitis media) 
- Severe penicillin allergy
Measles (with pneumonia)
- Severe penicillin allergy
Pneumonia (non-severe) 
- Severe penicillin allergy

  • Oral (sus, tab): 10mg/kg, dly; Treatment duration: 3 days 
    (STG, Paed. 2017; PHC  2020)

Tonsillitis
- Severe penicillin allergy
Pharyngitis
- Severe penicillin allergy

Older than 3 years

  • Oral (sus): ≤35kg: 10mg/kg/day; >35kg: 500mg, dly; Treatment duration: 3 days
    (STG, PHC 2020)

Pertussis
Pertussis contacts

Younger than 6 months 

  • Oral (sus): 10mg/kg, dly; Treatment duration: 5 days
    (STG, Paed. 2017)

6 months and older

  • Oral (sus, tab, cap): 10mg/kg on day 1; Max: 500mg/24hrs; THEN 5mg/kg for 4 days; Max: 250mg/24hrs 
    (STG, Paed. 2017)

Mycoplasma pneumonia and other atypical pneumonias - severe 

  • IV: 10mg/kg, dly for 2 days
    THEN
  • Oral (sus, tab, cap): 5mg/kg, dly for 3 days
    OR
  • Oral (sus, tab, cap): 5mg/kg, dly; Treatment duration: 5 days
    (STG Paed. 2023)

Persistent diarrhoea from Campylobacter
Cellulitis
- Severe penicillin allergy
Erysipelas 

- Severe penicillin allergy

  • Oral (sus, tab, cap): 10mg/kg, dly; Treatment duration: 3 days
    (STG, Paed. 2017; PHC 2020)

Peptic ulcer for H. Pylori eradication (Additional agent required) 
- Severe penicillin allergy

  • Oral (sus, tab, cap): 10mg/kg, dly; Treatment duration: 5 days
    (STG, Paed. 2017)

Tick bite fever - mild to moderate

  • Oral (sus): <45kg: 10mg/kg, dly; Treatment duration: 3 days
    (STG, PHC 2023)

- Unable to take oral medication 

  • IV: 10mg/kg, dly; Treatment duration: 5 days
    (STG, Paed. 2017)

Prophylaxis for rheumatic fever 
- Severe penicillin allergy
Post splenectomy 
- Severe penicillin allergy

Younger than 11 years

  • Oral (sus, tab, cap): 10mg/kg/day, 3 times weekly

11 years and older

  • Oral (sus, tab, cap): 250mg, dly
    (STG, Paed. 2017; PHC 2020)

Diphtheria
- Severe penicillin allergy

  • IV/Oral (sus, tab, cap): 10mg/kg, dly
    (STG, Paed. 2017)

Prophylactic treatment for diphtheria contacts 
- Severe penicillin allergy

  • Oral (sus, tab, cap): 10mg/kg on day 1; THEN 5mg/kg, dly for 4 days
    (STG, Paed. 2017)

Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC) infection - if currently on efavirenz (Additional agent required) 

  • Oral (sus): 10mg/kg, dly
    (STG, Paed. 2017)

Dental abscess  
- Severe penicillin allergy

  • Oral (sus, tab): <18kg: 10mg/kg/dose, dly; >35kg: 500mg, dly; Treatment duration: 3 days
    (STG, Paed. 2023)

Acute rheumatic fever - eradication of streptococci in throat
- Severe penicillin allergy
Otitis externa 
- Severe penicillin allergy
Acute otitis media 
- Severe penicillin allergy
Acute bacterial sinusitis 
- Severe penicillin allergy
Human bites (Additional agent required) 
- Severe penicillin allergy
Animal bites (Additional agent required) 

- Severe penicillin allergy

  • Oral (sus): ≤35kg: 10mg/kg, dly; >35kg: 500mg, dly; Treatment duration: 3 days
    (STG, PHC 2020)

Sexually transmitted infections prophylaxis (Additional agent required)

  • Oral (sus): <45kg: 20mg/kg, single dose and refer; ≥45kg: 1g, as a single dose and refer
    (STG, PHC 2020)

Bronchiectasis
- Chemoprophylaxis

  • Oral (sus, tab): 5mg/kg, dly for 3 alternate days per week; Treatment duration: 3 months (Repeat after 6 months)
    (STG, Paed. 2023)

Azithromycin is commonly used as an alternative for patients with severe penicillin allergy


Indications and dosages registered in other jurisdictions

Bronchitis
Community-acquired pneumonia
Sinusitis
Pharyngitis

Tonsillitis

  • Oral (sus): <45kg: 10mg/kg, dly; Treatment duration: 3 days
  • Oral (sus, cap, tab): ≥45kg: 500mg, dly; Treatment duration: 3 days

Older than 12 years

  • Oral (PR gra): See adult dosage

Otitis media
Skin and soft tissue infections

  • Oral (sus): <45kg: 10mg/kg, dly; Treatment duration: 3 days
  • Oral (sus, cap, tab): ≥45kg: 500mg, dly; Treatment duration: 3 days

Uncomplicated genital infection (Chlamydia trachomatis)

  • Oral (sus, cap, tab): ≥45kg: 1g, as a single dose

Uncomplicated genital infection (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) (additional agents required)

  • Oral (sus, cap, tab): ≥45kg: 1-2g, as a single dose

Suspension recommended for children <45kg


The total dose in children >1 year is 30mg/kg administered as 10mg/kg once daily for 3 days, or over a period of 5 days starting with a single dose of 10mg/kg on the first day, followed by doses of 5mg/kg per day for the following 4 days


See additional prescribing points

Special populations

Pregnancy

  • Caution
  • There are no adequate data from the use of azithromycin in pregnant women. In reproduction toxicity studies in animals, azithromycin was shown to pass the placenta, but no teratogenic effects were observed. The safety of azithromycin has not been confirmed with regard to the use of the active substance during pregnancy. Therefore, azithromycin should only be used during pregnancy if definitely indicated

Breastfeeding

  • Caution; not recommended
  • Azithromycin is excreted in breast milk. Because of the long half-life, accumulation in the milk is possible. Information available from published literature indicates that, in short-term use, this does not lead to clinically relevant quantities in the milk. No serious side effects have been observed by azithromycin in breast-fed children. A decision should be taken whether breastfeeding is discontinued or that treatment with azithromycin is discontinued/initiated or not, taking into account the benefit of breastfeeding for the child and the benefit of treatment for the woman

Renal Impairment

Hepatic Impairment

Elderly

Porphyria Information

Drugs in Sport

  • Permitted - No warnings

Adverse reactions

Central Nervous System Disorders

  • Nervousness
  • Agitation
  • Aggression
  • Anxiety
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Paraesthesia
  • Hypoestheia
  • Somnolence
  • Insomnia
  • Syncope
  • Seizures
  • Psychomotor hyperactivity
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia
  • Depersonalisation
  • Delirium
  • Hallucination

Cardiovascular Disorders

  • Palpitations
  • Torsades de pointes
  • Arrhythmia
  • Ventricular tachycardia
  • Hypotension
  • Prolonged QT interval
  • Chest pain
  • Oedema
  • Hot flush

Respiratory Disorders

  • Pneumonia
  • Respiratory disorder
  • Rhinitis
  • Pharyngitis
  • Dyspnoea
  • Epistaxis

Gastrointestinal Disorders

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Pseudomembranous coliti
  • Diarrhoea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Abdominal distension
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Flatulence
  • Eructation
  • Dyspepsia
  • Gastritis
  • Dysphagia (sus, tab)
  • Gastroenteritis
  • Constipation
  • Pancreatitis
  • Tongue discolouration
  • Dry mouth
  • Mouth ulceration
  • Salivary hypersecretion

Hepatobiliary Disorders

  • Hepatic failure
  • Hepatic necrosis
  • Cholestatic jaundice
  • Hepatitis
  • Abnormal hepatic function
  • Increased aspartate aminotransferase
  • Increased alanine aminotransferase
  • Increased alkaline phosphatase
  • Increased serum bilirubin

Genitourinary Disorders

  • Acute renal failure
  • Interstitial nephritis
  • Dysuria
  • Renal pain
  • Increased serum urea
  • Increased serum creatinine
  • Vaginal infection
  • Metrorrhagia
  • Testicular disorder

Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders

  • Anorexia
  • Abnormal serum potassium
  • Decreased blood bicarbonate
  • Increased chloride
  • Increased glucose
  • Abnormal sodium bicarbonate

Musculoskeletal Disorders

  • Arthralgia
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Myalgia
  • Back pain
  • Neck pain

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders

  • Pruritus
  • Rash
  • Steven-Johnson syndrome
  • Photosensitivity reaction
  • Urticaria
  • Dermatitis
  • Dry skin
  • Hyperhidrosis
  • Toxic epidermal necrolysis
  • Erythema multiforme
  • Acute Generalised Exanthematous Pustulosis (AGEP)
  • Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)
  • Pain and inflammation on the local injection site (inj)

Immune, Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders

  • Decreased lymphocyte count
  • Increased eosinophil count
  • Leukopenia
  • Neutropenia
  • Eosinophilia
  • Thrombocytopenia
  • Increased basophils
  • Increased monocytes
  • Increased neutrophils
  • Increased platelets
  • Decreased haematocrit
  • Haemolytic anaemia
  • Candidiasis, including oral candidiasis
  • Fungal infection
  • Bacterial infection
  • Angioedema
  • Hypersensivity reactions
  • Anaphylactic reactions
  • Anaphylactic shock
  • Fever

Sensory Disorders

  • Visual impairment
  • Blurred vision
  • Parosmia
  • Deafness
  • Impaired hearing
  • Ear disorder
  • Tinnitis
  • Vertigo
  • Anosmia
  • Ageusia
  • Dysgeusia

Others

  • Face oedema
  • Pain
  • Post procedural complication

Interactions

  • QT prolonging agents
  • Antiarrhythmics (Classes IA and III)
  • Terfenadine
  • P-glycoprotein substrates
  • Digoxin
  • Colchicine
  • Zidovudine
  • Ergot derivatives
  • Ergotamine
  • Coumarin-type oral anticoagulants
  • Ciclosporin
  • Fluconazole
  • Nelfinavir
  • Antacids
  • Astemizole
  • Alfentanil
  • Atorvastatin
  • Statins
  • Indinavir
  • Rifabutin
  • Theophylline
  • Triazolam
  • Terfenadine
  • Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole

Monitoring

None routine. Specific cases may require

  • Hepatic function
  • Full blood count with differential

Prescribing points

Tablet 250mg, Tablet 500mg, Suspension 200mg/5ml - EML (Primary)

Injection 500mg - EML (Hospital)


Dosing considerations

  • Tab: Azithromycin tablets can be administered with or without food
  • Cap: Azithromycin capsules should be taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food
  • PR gra: Patients should take azithromycin prolonged-release granules on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours following a meal). In the unlikely event that a patient vomits within 5 minutes of administration of the granules, a second dose should be taken

Administration directions

  • Do not administer as IM or IV bolus
  • IV infusion: Reconstitute one vial (500mg) with 4.8ml sterile water. To provide azithromycin at a concentration of 1.0 or 2.0 mg/ml, transfer 5 ml of the 100 mg/ml azithromycin solution to the appropriate amount of any of the diluents: dilute reconstituted solution with 500ml diluent (1mg/ml) OR dilute reconstituted solution with 250ml diluent (2mg/ml); Infusion rate: 1mg/ml solution over 3 hours or 2mg/ml solution over 1 hour; Diluents include: 0.9% sodium chloride, 0.45% sodium chloride and 5% dextrose in water, Lactated Ringer's solution, 5% dextrose in 0.3% sodium chloride, 5% dextrose in 0.45% sodium chloride
  • PR gra: Add 60ml water and shake well
  • Sus: Add 9ml water to the 15ml (600mg) bottle of azithromycin for a 200mg/5ml solution; OR add 15ml water to a 30ml (1200mg) azithromycin bottle for a 200mg/5ml solution. Discard after 5 days

Mechanism of action

Azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic belonging to the azalide group, suppresses bacterial protein synthesis by means of binding to the 50s subunit of the ribosome, inhibiting peptide translocation.

Spectrum of activity: Gram-positive and Gram-negative aerobic cocci (excluding enterococci and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp.); Some Gram-negative bacilli (including Haemophilus spp., Legionella and B pertussis); Others, including: M. pneumoniae, T. pallidum, Chlamydia spp., Clostridium spp., B. bergdorferi

Dosage forms

  • Granules
  • Suspension
  • Injection
  • Capsule
  • Tablet
  • Film-coated tablet
  • Powder for injection

Formulation

Capsule 250mg

  • Azimax (Pharmascript)
  • Clamelle (Strides Pharma SA)
  • Varimax (Dezzo Trading)

Tablet 250mg 

  • Jubazi (LeBasi Pharm)
  • Zithrolide (LeBasi Pharm)

Tablet 500mg

  • Apex-Azithromycin (Camox)
  • Aspen Azithromycin (Pharmacare)
  • Austell-Azithromycin (Camox)
  • Azimax Forte (Pharmascript)
  • Azithromycin Biotech (Biotech Laboratories)
  • Azithromycin New Formulation Aspen (Pharmacare Limited)
  • Azithromycin Unicorn Fct (Unicorn)
  • Azithromycin Zydus (Zydus)
  • Binozyt (Sandoz SA) FCT
  • Cipla Azithromycin (Cipla)
  • Jubazi (LeBasi)
  • Sandoz Azithromycin (Sandoz SA)
  • Ultreon (Pfizer) originator (Discontinued - 19 Oct 2018)
  • Varimax (Dezzo Trading)
  • Zeemide (Brimpharm)
  • Zimol 500 (Strides Pharma SA)
  • Zithract (Actor Pharma)
  • Zithrogen (Xixia Pharm)
  • Zithrolide (LeBasi Pharm)
  • Zithromax (Pfizer) originator

Suspension (per 5ml) 200mg

  • Austell Azithromycin (Austell)
  • Azithromycin S Aspen (Pharmacare)
  • Azithromycin S Biotech (Biotech Laboratories)
  • Azrasite 200mg/5ml (Ruby Pharmaceuticals)
  • Novazith Suspension (Novagen Pharma)
  • Zatyp Oral Suspension (Aurogen South Africa)
  • Zithromax (Pfizer) originator

Injection (per vial) 500mg

  • Cipla Azithromycin (Cipla)
  • Zithromax (Pfizer) originator

Granules (per bottle) 2g

  • Zithromax one (Pfizer) originator

References

1. SAMF_12th Edition_Page 290 2. SmPC: Azithromycin 250 mg Tablets, Pfizer Limited; Last updated on eMC: 31 May 2018; Downloaded online 13/08/2018 [https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/9205/smpc] 3. SmPC: Zithromax 200 mg in 5 ml suspension, Pfizer Limited; Last updated on eMC: 02 Mar 2018; Downloaded online 13/08/2018 [https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/9206/smpc] 4. SmPC: Zedbac 500 mg powder for solution for infusion, Aspire Pharma Ltd; Last updated on eMC: 29 Jun 2018; Downloaded online 13/08/2018 [https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1276/smpc] 5. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B0xnChtF7vduRE9jQzZBUVhQVVU (19/04/2013_Sandoz_Azithromycin_500mg tab) 6. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B0xnChtF7vduRE9jQzZBUVhQVVU (08/2011_Cipla_Azithromycin_500_inj) 7. PI: Ultreon 500mg tablets, Pfizer Laboratories. Date of last approved PI: 7 April 2006 [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B0xnChtF7vduRE9jQzZBUVhQ] 8. PI: Zithromax one (PR Granules for oral sus), Pfizer Laboratories. Date of last approved PI: 26 June 2015 [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B0xnChtF7vduRE9jQzZBUVhQ] 9. PI: Zithromax IV (Powder for sol for inj) and Zithromax 500mg tablets, Pfizer Laboratories (Pty) Ltd. Date of approved PI: 26 Jun 2015 [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jqf-0IGqOHnirhNXThNVDmJUo6WCSyNu] 10. PI: Zithromax Suspension 200mg/5ml, Pfizer Laboratories (Pty) Ltd. Date of approved PI: 16 June 2015 [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jqf-0IGqOHnirhNXThNVDmJUo6WCSyNu] 11. Sanford Guide Web Edition: Azithromycin; Downloaded online 3 Aug 2020 [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jqf-0IGqOHnirhNXThNVDmJUo6WCSyNun] 12. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B0xnChtF7vduRE9jQzZBUVhQVVU (14/02/2006_Pharmascript_Azimax_250mg_caps) 13. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B0xnChtF7vduRE9jQzZBUVhQVVU (23/9/2005_Austell-Azithromycin_500mg_tab) 14. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B0xnChtF7vduRE9jQzZBUVhQVVU (08/09/2005_Mylan_Zithrogen_250, 500mg_fct ) 15. Standard treatment guidelines and essential medicines list for South Africa, Hospital level, Paediatrics, 2017 16. U2D: Azithromycin (systemic): Drug information; Uptodate; Downloaded online 13/08/2018 [https://www.uptodate.com/contents/azithromycin-systemic-drug-information] 17. NAPOS: The Drug Database for Acute Porphyria: Azithromycin; Accessed online 31 Aug 2020 [http://www.drugs-porphyria.org/languages/UnitedKingdom/s3.php?atc_code=J01FA10&l=gbr] 18. South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport: Zithromax Tablets, Suspension, PR Granules for Susp, Infusion; Accessed online 31 Aug 2020 [http://www.drugfreesport.org.za/online-medication-check/] 19. SmPC: Zithromax 200 mg in 5 ml suspension, Pfizer Limited; Last updated on eMC: 30 May 2019; Downloaded online 31 Aug 2020 [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jqf-0IGqOHnirhNXThNVDmJUo6WCSyNu] 20. SmPC: Zedbac 500mg powder for solution for infusion, Aspire Pharma Ltd; Last updated on eMC: 1 Jun 2020; Downloaded online 31 Aug 2020 [https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1276/smpc] 21. SmPC: Zithromax 250 mg Capsules, Pfizer Limited; Last updated on eMC: 30 May 2019; Downloaded online 31 Aug 2020 [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jqf-0IGqOHnirhNXThNVDmJUo6WCSyNu] 22. Department of Health, South Africa. Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Adults, 2019 Edition [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jqf-0IGqOHnirhNXThNVDmJUo6WCSyNu] 23. Department of Health, South Africa. Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Paediatric, 2017 Edition [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jqf-0IGqOHnirhNXThNVDmJUo6WCSyNu] 24. Department of Health, South Africa. Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Primary Health Care, 2018 Edition [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jqf-0IGqOHnirhNXThNVDmJUo6WCSyNu] 25. SmPC: Azithromycin 500 mg Tablets, Sandoz Limited; Last updated on eMC: 25 Aug 2020; Downloaded online 31 Aug 2020 [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jqf-0IGqOHnirhNXThNVDmJUo6WCSyNu] 26. SmPC: Azithromycin 200mg/5ml Powder for Oral Suspension, Sandoz Limited: Last updated on eMC: 28 Aug 2020 Download online 8 September 2020 [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jqf-0IGqOHnirhNXThNVDmJUo6WCSyNu] 27. PI: ZITHROMAX 500 mg Tablets and IV Powder for solution for infusion, Pfizer Laboratories (Pty) Ltd. Date of first authorisation: 17 June 1997/ 25 April 2003; Date of revision of text: 09 July 2019 [https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1c3_Ah8sere3DtPDQjdy9uxqviNE82g_f] 28. Department of Health, South Africa. Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Paediatric, 2023 Edition [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1dY9_4So1_ctYjHRttam8_y2x2tjFBG3Q] 29. Department of Health, South Africa. Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Primary Health Care, 2023 Edition [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1rDWAYDt7XMDTq230FxVUoKhgZ0IZLoSp] GHANA REFERENCES GH1. Ministry of Health Ghana National Drugs Programme (GNDP) Standard Treatment Guidelines, 7th Edition, 2017 [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1EQKbcrtqOU9qM1DpWgsS35ERYS_WkO_w] GH2. Ministry of Health Ghana National Drugs Programme (GNDP) Essential Medicines List, 7th Edition, 2017 [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1EQKbcrtqOU9qM1DpWgsS35ERYS_WkO_w]

Brands & products

42 products · stale NAPPI snapshot · refreshed 5/28/2026 · 159 days old

suspensionGeneric· 16 products

from R12.51/unit
ProductStrengthPackSchedSEPUnitDisp feeNAPPI
Novazith Suspension200 mg/5ml30S4R375.20R12.51R128.433003809002
Ceptomax 200 Mg/5 Ml- ml30S4R394.97R13.17R133.873007985001
Zatyp Oral Suspension200 mg/5ml30S4R399.28R13.31R135.053002555002
Zithromax200 mg/5ml30S4R401.03R13.37R135.53830720014
Azrasite 200Mg/5Ml200 mg/5ml30S4R405.77R13.53R136.843003002002
Azithromycin S Aspen200 mg/5ml30S4R406.38R13.55R137.003002136002
Novazith Suspension200 mg/5ml15S4R204.99R13.67R81.603003809001
Austell Azithromycin 200Mg/5Ml200 mg/5ml30S4R411.22R13.71R138.343001054002
Azithromycin S Biotech200 mg/5ml30S4R428.28R14.28R143.033004232002
Ceptomax 200 Mg/5 Ml- ml15S4R214.87R14.32R84.323007985002
Zatyp Oral Suspension200 mg/5ml15S4R217.02R14.47R84.913002555001
Zithromax200 mg/5ml15S4R217.90R14.53R85.15830720006
Azrasite 200Mg/5Ml200 mg/5ml15S4R220.27R14.68R85.813003002001
Azithromycin S Aspen200 mg/5ml15S4R220.58R14.71R85.893002136001
Austell Azithromycin 200Mg/5Ml200 mg/5ml15S4R223.00R14.87R86.563001054001
Azithromycin S Biotech200 mg/5ml15S4R231.53R15.44R88.903004232001

tabletGeneric· 19 products

from R37.46/unit
ProductStrengthPackSchedSEPUnitDisp feeNAPPI
Zithrolide250 mg6S4R224.75R37.46R87.04721676001
Zithract500 mg3S4R221.20R73.73R86.063003355001
Azithromycin 500 Biotech 500 mg3S4R221.35R73.78R86.103002137002
Azithromycin unicorn500 mg3S4R223.75R74.58R86.76723065001
Zithrolide500 mg3S4R224.75R74.92R87.04721677001
Azrotrin500 mg3S4R224.77R74.92R87.04715934001
Zithromax500 mg3S4R226.80R75.60R87.60832278009
Azithromycin 500 Biotech 500 mg2S4R156.03R78.02R65.873002137001
Sandoz azithromycin500 mg3S4R234.35R78.12R89.68707852001
Azero500 mg3S4R235.68R78.56R90.04718711001
Azithromycin New Formulation Aspen500 mg3S4R236.06R78.69R90.153002135001
Austell azithromycin500 mg3S4R236.06R78.69R90.15717052001
Cipla azithromycin500 mg3S4R236.61R78.87R90.30719156001
Azrotrin500 mg2S4R158.55R79.27R66.74715934002
Zithrogen500 mg3S4R239.86R79.95R91.19705975001
Zeemide 500 Mg500 mg3S4R255.98R85.33R95.63717181001
Aspen azithromycin500 mg3S4R262.53R87.51R97.43705100001
Ultreon 500Mg500 mg2S4R177.69R88.85R73.36706370001
Binozyt500 mg3S4R274.58R91.53R100.75707552001

capsuleGeneric· 2 products

from R41.74/unit
ProductStrengthPackSchedSEPUnitDisp feeNAPPI
Varimax250 mg6S4R250.45R41.74R94.11717496001
Clamelle250 mg4S4R198.25R49.56R80.47712447001

injectionGeneric· 1 product

from R72.02/unit
ProductStrengthPackSchedSEPUnitDisp feeNAPPI
Zithromax iv pow f/sol f/infusion500 mg5S4R360.08R72.02R124.27702721001

FctGeneric· 2 products

from R77.38/unit
ProductStrengthPackSchedSEPUnitDisp feeNAPPI
Zatyp Tablets500 mg3S4R232.14R77.38R89.073009653001
Azimax Forte500 mg3S4R235.13R78.38R89.893000849001

infusionGeneric· 1 product

from R79.81/unit
ProductStrengthPackSchedSEPUnitDisp feeNAPPI
Cipla azithromycin powder for solution v500 mg5S4R399.06R79.81R134.99716738001

GraGeneric· 1 product

from R351.47/unit
ProductStrengthPackSchedSEPUnitDisp feeNAPPI
Zithromax One 2 g1S4R351.47R351.47R121.90710314001
Trade names (25)
  • Apex-Azithromycin
  • Aspen Azithromycin
  • Austell-Azithromycin
  • Azimax
  • Azimax Forte
  • Azithromycin Biotech
  • Azithromycin New Formulation Aspen
  • Azithromycin Unicorn
  • Azithromycin S Aspen
  • Azithromycin Zydus
  • Azrasite
  • Cipla Azithromycin
  • Clamelle
  • Jubazi
  • Novazith
  • Sandoz Azithromycin
  • Ultreon
  • Verimax
  • Zatyp Oral Suspension
  • Zeemide
  • Zimol
  • Zithract
  • Zithrolide
  • Zithrogen
  • Zithromax

Medical aid coverage

data not yet integrated
Discovery Health
not yet integrated
  • Comprehensive Series—
  • Executive Plan—
  • KeyCare Series—
  • Priority Series—
  • Saver Series—

Formulary scraper pending — coverage tier, co-pay and authorisation requirements will appear here once data is ingested.

Bonitas Medical Fund
not yet integrated
  • BonClassic—
  • BonComprehensive—
  • BonEssential—
  • BonFit Select—
  • BonSave—
  • BonStart—

Formulary scraper pending — coverage tier, co-pay and authorisation requirements will appear here once data is ingested.

GEMS — Government Employees Medical Scheme
not yet integrated
  • Beryl—
  • Emerald—
  • Onyx—
  • Ruby—
  • Sapphire—
  • Tanzanite One—

Formulary scraper pending — coverage tier, co-pay and authorisation requirements will appear here once data is ingested.

POLMED — Police Medical Aid Scheme
not yet integrated
  • Aquarium Option—
  • Efficiency Option—
  • Marine Option—

Formulary scraper pending — coverage tier, co-pay and authorisation requirements will appear here once data is ingested.

Interacts with 16 known drugs

Check against other drugs →

Cited in 60+ documents

NeoHealth® ID 16118 · updated 5/10/2024