Zithromax (Azithromycin) Use in Children

Zithromax (azithromycin) is an antibiotic commonly used in children to treat bacterial infections, such as ear and sinus infections. Often prescribed in pill form, it can also be delivered in a liquid formulation for children who don't like pills. Depending on the infection your child has, the treatment would typically last anywhere from one to five days.

Indications

Though Zithromax is approved for use in children, its safety and effectiveness in kids under the age of 6 months haven't been established. The drug has been approved to treat the following pediatric conditions:

• Acute otitis media (inner ear infection)
• Acute bacterial sinusitis (sinus infection)
• Community-acquired pneumonia
• Strep throat

Zithromax is often used off-label for other mild to moderate pediatric infections that are caused by susceptible bacteria including walking pneumonia and pertussis (whooping cough).

Increasing rates of azithromycin resistance mean that the drug is generally reserved for second-line use. For strep throat, penicillin is the preferred agent. Similarly, for ear infections, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends amoxicillin as the first-line drug of choice.

Formulations

Zithromax is a type of macrolide antibiotic, a group that also includes erythromycin, roxithromycin, and clarithromycin. 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.

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.

Zithromax is available in several forms:

• Zithromax for oral suspension
• Zithromax Z-Pak, 250 mg tablets (five-day course)
• Zithromax Tri-Pak, 500 mg tablets (three-day course)
• Zmax (extended-release formulation)

Zithromax can be stored at room temperature, but keep it away from excessive heat, cold, or moisture. 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.

Dosage

Depending on the condition being treated, your healthcare provider will usually tailor the dose based on your child's height and weight (measured in kilograms, kg). Typical dosages include:

• Ear infection: Either a single dose (30 mg/kg); a once-daily dose for three days (10 mg/kg/day); or a once-daily dose for five days (starting with 10 mg/kg for the first day and decreasing to 5 mg/kg/day on the next four days)
• Sinus infections: Once daily for three days (10 mg/kg)
• Community-acquired pneumonia: Once daily for five days (starting with 10 mg/kg on the first day and decreasing to 5 mg/kg/day on the next four days)
• Strep throat or tonsillitis: Once daily for five days (12 mg/kg)

If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is within 12 hours. In such a case, skip the dose and give your child the next one as you normally would. Never double up on doses as this can increase the risk of side effects.

If your child vomits within an hour of taking a one-time dose, you will likely need to get another. Call your pediatrician for guidance.

Side Effects

For children taking a five-day course of Zithromax, the most common side effects include:

• Diarrhea and loose stools
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Rash
• Headache

When prescribed as a one-time dose, there is a greater risk of vomiting or diarrhea. If the side effects are severe or persistent, call your healthcare provider. On rare occasions, a child may experience a severe and potentially life-threatening allergy known as anaphylaxis.

Drug Interactions

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. Antacids can be taken at the same time if prescribed an extended-release Zmax.

Always advised your pediatrician about any and all drugs your child may be taking, whether pharmaceutical, over-the-counter, nutritional, homeopathic, or traditional.

QT Interval Warning

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. This can cause fast and/or irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, blurred vision, fainting, and, rarely, death.

Certain factors can increase a child's risk while taking Zithromax:

• A family history of QT interval prolongation
• Low blood potassium or magnesium
• A family history of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
• Use of anti-arrhythmia medications

Call your healthcare provider if your child experiences irregular heartbeats or has a sudden dizziness spell. if there is fainting, take your child to the emergency room even it lasted for only a few seconds.