Azithromycin (zithromycin)

Adrianne Bazo 11-18-08 Generic Name azithromycin

Trade Name Zithromax

Clinical Medications Worksheets Classification Dose agents for atypical 500mg mycobacterium, antiinfectives

Peak 2.5-3.2 hrs

Onset rapid

Duration 24 hr

Why is your patient getting this medication Extended-release suspension (ZMax)Acute bacterial sinusitis and community-acquired pneumonia in adults

Mechanism of action and indications (Why med ordered) Inhibits protein synthesis at the level of the 50S bacterial ribosome

Route PO

Time/frequency Q day for four or more days

Normal dosage range Acute bacterial sinusitis--500 mg once daily for 3 days or single 2 g dose of extended-release suspension (Zmax)

For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and/or solutions NA Nursing Implications (what to focus on) Contraindications/warnings/interactions Hypersensitivity to azithromycin, erythromycin, or other macrolide anti-infectives Zmax extended release oral suspension is not bioequivalent or interchangeable with azithromycin oral suspension

Common side effects Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal medicines (ask patient specifically) none

Lab value alterations caused by medicine May cause ↑ serum bilirubin, AST, ALT, LDH, and alkaline phosphatase concentrations. May cause ↑ creatine phosphokinase, potassium, prothrombin time, BUN, serum creatinine, and blood glucose concentrations. May occasionally cause ↓ WBC and platelet count

Be sure to teach the patient the following about this medication Instruct patients to take medication as directed and to finish the drug completely, even if they are feeling better. Tell patient to take missed doses as soon as possible unless almost time for next dose; do not double doses. Advise patients that sharing of this medication may be dangerous

Nursing Process- Assessment (Pre-administration assessment) Assess patient for infection (vital signs; appearance of wound, sputum, urine, and stool; WBC) at beginning of and throughout therapy. Obtain specimens for culture and sensitivity before initiating therapy. First dose may be given before receiving results

Assessment Why would you hold or not give this med? Observe for signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis (rash, pruritus, laryngeal edema, wheezing). Notify the physician or other health care professional immediately if these occur chest pain, palpitations, yellowing of skin or eyes, or signs of superinfection (black, furry overgrowth on the tongue; vaginal itching or discharge; loose or foul-smelling stools). if fever and diarrhea develop, especially if stool contains blood, pus, or mucus

Evaluation Check after giving Resolution of the signs and symptoms of infection. Length of time for complete resolution depends on the organism and site of infection

Adrianne Bazo 11-18-08