Generic/Brand

Name &
Classification
Generic:

Dose,
Strength &
Formulatio
n
Ordered:

Azithromycin

500mg, PO

Brand:

Timing:

Zithromax

8am

Classification:

Duration:

Pharmacologi
c: macrolide
antibiotic

24hours

Therapeutic:
Bacteriostatic

Tablets
250, 500,
600mg;

Pregnancy
Category
Risk: B

Other
forms:

injection
2.5g;
powder for
oral
suspensio
n
100mg/5m
l,
200mg/5m
l,
1g/packet;

Indication/
Mechanisms of
Drug Action

Adverse/Side Effects
Drug Interaction

Nursing
Responsibilities

Indication:

CNS: dizziness,
headache, vertigo,
somnolence,
fatigue

Before:

Bacteriostatic
orbectericidal in
susceptible
bacteria
treatment of
- lower
respiratory
infections such
as communityacquired
pneumonia
- genital ulcer
disease in men
- uncomplicated
skin infections
- nongonococcal
urethritis and
cervicitis;
treatment of PID
- otitis media
- pharyngitis and
tonsillitis

Mechanism of

GI: diarrhea,
abdominal pain,
nausea, dyspepsia,
flatulence,
vomiting, melena,
pseudomembranou
s colitis
Other:
superinections,
angioedema, rash,
photosensitivity,
vaginitis
(Lippincott Williams
& Wilkins. 2013)

- Check the
doctors order
- Verify
patients
identity
- Assess for
hypersensitivity
to
azithromycin,
erythromycin,
or any
macrolide
antibiotic

Rationale

- To ensure
accurate
administration
of drugs

- To prevent
further
complications

- Assess
orientation, GI
output, bowel
sounds, liver
evaluation
- Monitor blood
studies

During:

- To ensure
accurate
administration

Client
Teaching

- Tell
patient to
take drug
as
prescribed,
even after
he feels
better.
- Advise
patient to
avoid
excessive
sunlight
and to
wear
protective
clothing
and use
sunscreen
when
outside.
- Tell
patient to
reportadve
rse

action:
bottles for
oral
suspensio
n 2g to
be
reconstitut
ed with
60ml
water
(Zmax)

Azithromycinbloc
kstranspeptidatio
n by binding
to50s
ribosomalsubunit
of susceptibleorg
anisms
anddisrupting
RNAdependentprotei
nsynthesis at
thechainelongati
on step.
(Lippincott
Williams &
Wilkins. 2013)

- Administer
the right drug
and right dose
at the right
time

- Administer on
an empty
stomach 1 hr
before or 2-3
hrs after meals.

- Let patient
take the full
course
prescribed

- Do not
administer with
antacids

After:
- Monitor
patients blood
studies
- Assess bowel
function for

of drugs

reactions
promptly.

- To facilitate
fast and easy
absorption of
medication by
the body

- Tell
patient to
take at
least 1
hour
before or 2
hours after
a meal.

- To ensure
complete
continuinity of
medication
- Antacids may
cause
medication to
inhibits lesser
effects.

- Teach
patient to
reconstitut
e
medication
and to
shake well
before use.
(Lippincott
Williams &
Wilkins.
2013)

constipation/
diarrhea
- Let patient
report severe
or watery
diarrhea,
severe nausea
or vomiting,
rash or itching,
mouth sores,
vaginal sores
- Document
and record.