Azithromycin
Also known as: Zithromax, Zmax, Azyter, Clamelle, Zedbac
**Administration Tips:** * Give the medication exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. Because this drug stays in the body for a long time, your vet may instruct you to give it only every few days. **Do not skip doses or stop early**, even if your pet seems better. * If using the **liquid suspension**, shake it well before each use. It is best given on an empty stomach, but if it causes stomach upset, you may give it with a small treat or meal. * **Do not refrigerate** the oral suspension. * Discard any unused oral suspension after 14 days. **What to Watch For:** * Azithromycin is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause stomach upset. * **Contact your veterinarian immediately** if your pet develops severe diarrhea, persistent vomiting, loss of appetite, or if their condition seems to be getting worse. * *For rabbits and guinea pigs:* Stop the medication and call your vet immediately if you notice soft stools, diarrhea, or a decrease in appetite.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Susceptible infections
- Susceptible infections (pulse dosing)
- 'Derm' infections
- Canine pyoderma
- Babesia gibsoni (Asian genotype) infections
- Idiopathic lymphoplasmacytic (chronic) rhinitis
- Susceptible infections
- Chlamydiosis (experimentally infected cockatiels)
- Chlamydophilosis
- Susceptible infections
- Susceptible infections (pulse dosing)
- 'Derm' infections
- Susceptible upper respiratory infections
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Vomiting (especially at high doses)
- Diarrhea
- GI cramping
- Potential hepatotoxicity
- Local tissue reactions (IV site)
- Muscle damage (IM injection)
- Diarrhea in foals
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to azithromycin or any other macrolide antibiotics
- **Hepatic Impairment:** Because azithromycin is primarily eliminated via the liver (excreted unchanged in the bile), it should be used with caution in patients with impaired hepatic function. **Pregnancy:** Safety during pregnancy has not been fully established in veterinary species. Use only when clearly necessary. In humans, it is an FDA Category B drug (animal studies have not demonstrated fetal risk, but adequate human studies are lacking). **Injection Site:** IM injection is generally avoided in small animals and rabbits due to a high degree of muscle damage at the injection site.
Drug interactions
- Antacids (magnesium- and aluminum-containing): May reduce the rate of absorption of azithromycin; separate dosages by 2 hours
- Cisapride: Other macrolides are contraindicated with cisapride due to potential for fatal arrhythmias; use with extreme caution or avoid
- Cyclosporine: Azithromycin may potentially increase cyclosporine blood levels; monitor carefully
- Digoxin: Other macrolides can increase digoxin levels; monitor carefully
- Pimozide: Contraindicated; acute deaths have occurred in humans
- Methylprednisolone: May increase serum levels of methylprednisolone
- Theophylline: May increase serum levels of theophylline
- Terfenadine: May increase serum levels of terfenadine
Frequently asked questions
What is Azithromycin used for in pets?
**Administration Tips:** * Give the medication exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. Because this drug stays in the body for a long time, your vet may instruct you to give it only every few days. **Do not skip doses or stop early**, even if your pet seems better. * If using the **liquid suspension**, shake it well before each use. It is best given on an empty stomach, but if it causes stomach upset, you may give it with a small treat or meal. * **Do not refrigerate** the oral suspension. * Discard any unused oral suspension after 14 days. **What to Watch For:** * Azithromycin is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause stomach upset. * **Contact your veterinarian immediately** if your pet develops severe diarrhea, persistent vomiting, loss of appetite, or if their condition seems to be getting worse. * *For rabbits and guinea pigs:* Stop the medication and call your vet immediately if you notice soft stools, diarrhea, or a decrease in appetite.
Is Azithromycin safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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