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Azithromycin Ophthalmic Solution, 1%

Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC · FDA-approved active Small molecule ✓ Verified Jun 2026

Azithromycin Ophthalmic Solution, 1% is a Macrolide antibiotic Small molecule drug developed by Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC. It is currently FDA-approved for Bacterial conjunctivitis, Bacterial keratitis.

Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit, thereby killing or stopping the growth of susceptible bacteria.

Azithromycin Ophthalmic Solution, 1% is used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis, blepharitis, posterior blepharoconjunctivitis, bacterial infections, and eye infections. It is compared to other treatments such as Tobramycin in clinical studies for its efficacy and safety.

At a glance

Generic nameAzithromycin Ophthalmic Solution, 1%
SponsorMerck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Drug classMacrolide antibiotic
TargetBacterial 50S ribosomal subunit
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaOphthalmology / Infectious Disease
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Azithromycin binds to the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit and inhibits transpeptidation and translocation, preventing peptide bond formation and halting protein synthesis. When formulated as an ophthalmic solution, it achieves high local concentrations in ocular tissues to treat bacterial infections of the eye. The drug is bactericidal against a broad spectrum of gram-positive and gram-negative organisms commonly associated with ocular infections.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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Frequently asked questions about Azithromycin Ophthalmic Solution, 1%

What is Azithromycin Ophthalmic Solution, 1%?

Azithromycin Ophthalmic Solution, 1% is a Macrolide antibiotic drug developed by Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, indicated for Bacterial conjunctivitis, Bacterial keratitis.

How does Azithromycin Ophthalmic Solution, 1% work?

Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit, thereby killing or stopping the growth of susceptible bacteria.

What is Azithromycin Ophthalmic Solution, 1% used for?

Azithromycin Ophthalmic Solution, 1% is indicated for Bacterial conjunctivitis, Bacterial keratitis.

Who makes Azithromycin Ophthalmic Solution, 1%?

Azithromycin Ophthalmic Solution, 1% is developed and marketed by Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC (see full Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC pipeline at /company/merck).

What drug class is Azithromycin Ophthalmic Solution, 1% in?

Azithromycin Ophthalmic Solution, 1% belongs to the Macrolide antibiotic class. See all Macrolide antibiotic drugs at /class/macrolide-antibiotic.

What development phase is Azithromycin Ophthalmic Solution, 1% in?

Azithromycin Ophthalmic Solution, 1% is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Azithromycin Ophthalmic Solution, 1%?

Common side effects of Azithromycin Ophthalmic Solution, 1% include Eye irritation, Conjunctival hyperemia, Ocular discomfort, Blurred vision.

What does Azithromycin Ophthalmic Solution, 1% target?

Azithromycin Ophthalmic Solution, 1% targets Bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit and is a Macrolide antibiotic.

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing