AHFS Class:

8:12.12.08 Other Macrolides

Azithromycin is available as a powder in vials containing the equivalent of 500 mg of azithromycin (as the dihydrate²⁸⁶³ or monohydrate³²⁸⁶) along with citric acid and sodium hydroxide.²⁸⁶³; ³²⁸⁶ The drug is packaged under vacuum.²⁸⁶³; ³²⁸⁶ Each 500-mg vial should be reconstituted with 4.8 mL of sterile water for injection and shaken until the drug is dissolved yielding a 100-mg/mL solution.²⁸⁶³; ³²⁸⁶ Because of the vacuum, a non-automated syringe is recommended to ensure that the correct amount of diluent is added.²⁸⁶³; ³²⁸⁶

Trade Name(s)

Zithromax

Azithromycin is administered only by intravenous infusion after dilution to a concentration of 1 or 2 mg/mL in a compatible infusion solution.²⁸⁶³; ³²⁸⁶ Diluted solutions with a final concentration of 1 mg/mL should be infused over 3 hours; diluted solutions with a final concentration of 2 mg/mL should be infused over 1 hour.²⁸⁶³; ³²⁸⁶ Azithromycin should not be given by direct intravenous or intramuscular injection.²⁸⁶³; ³²⁸⁶

Intact vials should be stored at or below 30°C²⁸⁶³ or at controlled room temperature.³²⁸⁶ The reconstituted solution is stable for 24 hours below 30°C.²⁸⁶³; ³²⁸⁶

Solution Compatibility

Additive Compatibility

Y-Site Injection Compatibility (1:1 Mixture)

For a list of references cited in the text of this monograph, search the monograph titled References.

ASHP^® Injectable Drug Information^TM. Selected Revisions December 5, 2024. © Copyright, 2024. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists^®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.