Are there any data to support using intravenous (IV) azithromycin in children <16 years of age?
Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that is available for oral and intravenous administration. Intravenously it is indicated for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia and pelvic inflammatory disease.1 The package insert states that safety and efficacy of intravenous azithromycin have not been established for patients younger than 16 years of age. On the other hand, the oral formulation is approved for use in both adult and pediatric patients (ages 6 months to <16 years) for a variety of indications such as the treatment of upper and lower respiratory tract infections, skin and skin structure infections, and sexually transmitted diseases.2 The recommended dose of azithromycin for treatment of community acquired pneumonia in adults is 500 mg IV daily for at least 2 days followed by 500 mg orally daily to complete a 7-to 10-day course.1 For treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease the recommended adult dose is 500 mg IV daily for 1 or 2 days followed by 250 mg orally daily to c
