Azithromycin
(Zithromax®, Azithromycin)
Available as tablets or capsules.
Tablets, Capsules
Available as soluble tablets?
No
Available as a liquid?
Yes
Available as something for placing under your tongue?
No
Available as something for placing on your gum?
No
Available as granules?
No
Available as a patch for putting on your skin?
No
Available as an injection?
Yes
Available as nasal/oral spray?
No
Safe or appropriate to crush
Licensed alternative formulations available and therefore crushing is not recommended.
Additional information for Healthcare Professionals+
Generic name
Azithromycin
Usual formulation brand names
Zithromax®
Is tablet/capsule specially coated?
Yes some
Modified release
No
Film coated
Yes
Enteric coated
No
Sugar coated
No
Soluble tablet strength
-
Sublingual/buccal formulation strength
-
Granule strength
-
Transdermal patch strength
-
Injection strength
500mg powder for infusion
Nasal/oral spray Strength
-
Available as a licensed liquid or special?
Yes - oral suspension
Are specials or imports available?
Yes - oral suspension
Liquid strengths
200mg/5ml
Is the liquid medicine sugar free?
No
Licensed for administration via enteral tube
No
Advice on administration via enteral tube
Current resources suggest that it is likely to be safe to administer via enteral feeding tubes, however this is an unlicensed use of the medication. Clinicians should refer to specialist resources for advice on how to administer this medication via enteral feeding tubes.
Notes
If a patient requires enteral feeding then every attempt should be made to find an appropriate alternative medication due to the risk of compromised nutrition and blood glucose levels if the feed is withheld.