Acute otitis media (ear infections) 2. Your child should not have azithromycin if they are allergic to any macrolide antibiotics (for example, erythromycin or clarithromycin). In such a case, skip the dose and give your child the next one as you normally would. In paediatrics, it is predominantly used to treat both upper respiratory tract infections (eg, acute pharyngitis and acute otitis media) and lower respiratory tract infections (community-acquired pneumonia),For acute otitis media, one randomized clinical trial comparing azithromycin with a high dose (90 mg/kg/day/6.4 mg/kg/day) of amoxicillin-clavulanate combination showed that treatment with the beta-lactam antibiotic achieved a higher rate of clinical recovery and bacterial eradication of resistant strains of both pneumococcus and The main problems with using azithromycin to treat acute otitis media are recurrent resistant pneumococcal strains and a suboptimal clinical efficacy against For analogous reasons, similar recommendations should likely apply when treating pneumococcal community-acquired pneumonia. Though Zithromax is approved for use in children, its safety and effectiveness in kids under the age of six months haven't been established. Call your doctor if your child experiences irregular heartbeats or has a sudden dizziness spell. Zithromax can be stored at room temperature, but keep it away from excessive heat, cold, or moisture.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that azithromycin can cause changes in the normal electrical activity of the heart, leading to an abnormal heart rhythm condition known as QT interval prolongation. Do not refrigerate or freeze Zithromax, even in liquid form. If given Zithromax in a powder form, mix it with water right before giving your child the dose. Call your pediatrician for guidance. Zithromax (azithromycin) is an antibiotic commonly used in children to treat bacterial infections, such as ear and sinus infections. However, unlike macrolides, such as erythromycin, azithromycin has lower in vitro activity against Gram-positive bacteria, including Upper and lower respiratory tract infections are by far the most common indications for azithromycin prescription in children in Western countries.Macrolide resistance is variable in Canada. For permission to reprint or reproduce multiple copies, please see our Philippe Ovetchkine, Michael J Rieder; Canadian Paediatric Society, Azithromycin is an antibiotic that is commonly prescribed for upper  and lower respiratory tract infections in children. If your child is taking Zithromax and an antacid such as Tums, Mylanta, or Maalox, you may need to separate the doses by four hours to avoid a drop in the concentration of Zithromax in the blood.

By using Verywell Health, you accept our Compared with other macrolides, the distinctive pharmacokinetic properties of azithromycin have facilitated administration; it is stable in acidic pH, has a bioavailability >30%, and has a relatively long half-life of up to 96 h. Azithromycin also has a superior pattern of distribution, with significant diffusion to the intracellular compartment and polymorphonuclear neutrophils, and can reach intracellular concentrations up to 100 times higher than the plasma concentration.High drug concentrations within phagocytes parti… Though Zithromax is approved for use in children, its safety and effectiveness in kids under the age of six months haven't been established. Community-acquired pneumonia 4.

The drug has been approved to treat the following pediatric conditions: This practice point considers azithromycin therapy for acute respiratory infections in otherwise healthy children. If your child vomits within an hour of taking a one-time dose, you will likely need to get another. While it has proven benefits, some concerns regarding azithromycin use have arisen in recent years. Never double up on doses as this can increase the risk of side effects. For children taking a five-day course of Zithromax, the most common side effects include: Zithromax has also been popular because it has always been a little less expensive than many other brand name antibiotics, even before it became available as a generic. Depending on the infection your child has, the treatment would typically last anywhere from one to five days.

It is a good choice for children who are allergic to penicillin and can be taken either with or without food, often in a single dose. Acute bacterial sinusitis (sinus infection) 3. In children, azithromycin is usually given as either a 3-day course of 10 mg/kg/day or a 5-day course with 10 mg/kg on the first day, followed by 5 mg/kg/day for a further 4 days. It has the advantage of once-daily dosing. Zithromax is a type of macrolide antibiotic that also include erythromycin, roxithromycin, and clarithromycin. Be sure to give Zithromax exactly as prescribed, completing the entire course even if your child feels better. Always advised your pediatrician about any and all drugs your child may be taking, whether pharmaceutical, over-the-counter, nutritional, homeopathic, or traditional.

Ⓒ 2020 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reservedThese Are the Latest Antibiotic Prescribing GuidelinesGet Info on Why Zofran Is Prescribed for Kids With Nausea and the FluCommon and Serious Antibiotic Side Effects in ChildrenWhat to Know Before You Buy Children's Cold Medicines On rare occasion, a child may experience a severe and potentially life-threatening allergy known as Call 911 or seek emergency care if your child experiences shortness of breath, wheezing, rapid heart rate, dizziness, vomiting, or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat after taking Zithromax.