Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

Azithromycin IV

Azithromycin IV is a macrolide antibiotic that inhibits protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit.

Azithromycin IV is a macrolide antibiotic that inhibits protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit. Used for Community-acquired pneumonia, Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, Acute bacterial sinusitis.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

This binding action prevents the translocation of peptides from the A site to the P site on the ribosome, ultimately inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial proteins. As a result, Azithromycin IV exerts its bacteriostatic effects by interfering with the ability of bacteria to produce essential proteins.

Approved indications

• Community-acquired pneumonia
• Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis
• Acute bacterial sinusitis

Common side effects

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain

Key clinical trials

• Testing a Novel Combination Treatment (Arm D) Versus Standard of Care for Intensive Phase Treatment for Mycobacterium Abscessus Pulmonary Disease in People With or Without Cystic Fibrosis in the Finding the Optimal Regimen for Mycobacterium Abscessus Treatment (FORMaT) Adaptive Platform Trial (PHASE2)
• Improvement of PPROM Management With Prophylactic Antimicrobial Therapy (iPROMPT) (PHASE4)
• Front Line Ibrutinib Without Corticosteroids for Newly Diagnosed Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease (PHASE2)
• Gastric CLEANsing by Intravenous AZithromycin in Urgent Endoscopy (NA)
• Meropenem vs Azithromycin Efficacy in Case XDR Enteric Fever (PHASE4)
• Erythromycin Versus Azithromycin for Preterm Prelabor Rupture of Membranes (PHASE3)
• Effects of Different Antibiotic Regimens in Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (NA)
• Tebipenem Trial in Children With Shigellosis (PHASE2)

Primary sources

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