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azithromycin (AZ)
Azithromycin inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit, preventing peptide bond formation and stopping bacterial growth.
Azithromycin inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit, preventing peptide bond formation and stopping bacterial growth. Used for Community-acquired pneumonia, Acute bacterial sinusitis, Acute otitis media.
At a glance
| Generic name | azithromycin (AZ) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Zithromax |
| Sponsor | Pfizer |
| Drug class | Macrolide antibiotic |
| Target | Bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that binds irreversibly to the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit, blocking the translocation of peptides and inhibiting protein synthesis. This bacteriostatic action prevents bacterial replication and allows the immune system to clear the infection. It has broad-spectrum activity against many gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as atypical organisms.
Approved indications
- Community-acquired pneumonia
- Acute bacterial sinusitis
- Acute otitis media
- Pharyngitis/tonsillitis
- Uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections
- Sexually transmitted infections (chlamydia, gonorrhea)
- Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) prophylaxis in HIV patients
Common side effects
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- QT prolongation
- Hepatotoxicity
- Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea
Key clinical trials
- Individualizing Treatment for Asthma in Primary Care (Full Study) (PHASE4)
- AZithromycin Therapy in Preschoolers With a Severe Wheezing Episode Diagnosed at the Emergency Department (PHASE3)
- Effects of Azithromycin as an Adjunct to Scaling and Root Planning in the Treatment of Periodontitis (NA)
- Improving PRegnancy Outcomes With Intermittent preVEntive Treatment in Africa (PHASE3)
- Hydroxychloroquine in Combination With Sirolimus and Dexamethasone for Treating COVID-19 Patients (NA)
- A Study to Compare Different Drugs Used to Prevent Serious Bacterial Infections in HIV-Positive Children (PHASE2)
- Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin as Prophylaxis for Healthcare Workers Dealing With COVID19 Patients (NA)
- Chloroquine (CQ) and Azithromycin (AZ) Combination for Malaria Prophylaxis (PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- azithromycin (AZ) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- azithromycin (AZ) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Pfizer portfolio CI