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mass treatment with oral azithromycin
Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit, and in mass treatment campaigns is used to reduce transmission of infectious diseases at the population level.
Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit, and in mass treatment campaigns is used to reduce transmission of infectious diseases at the population level. Used for Mass treatment for trachoma elimination, Population-level antimicrobial prophylaxis in neglected tropical disease control programs.
At a glance
| Generic name | mass treatment with oral azithromycin |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Zithromax |
| Sponsor | University of California, San Francisco |
| Drug class | Macrolide antibiotic |
| Target | Bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease / Public Health |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Azithromycin works by binding to bacterial ribosomes and preventing peptide bond formation, thereby stopping bacterial protein synthesis. In mass drug administration (MDA) programs, oral azithromycin is distributed to entire populations or communities to reduce the prevalence and transmission of targeted pathogens, particularly in trachoma elimination campaigns and other neglected tropical disease control efforts.
Approved indications
- Mass treatment for trachoma elimination
- Population-level antimicrobial prophylaxis in neglected tropical disease control programs
Common side effects
- Gastrointestinal disturbance (nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain)
- Headache
- Vomiting
- QT prolongation
Key clinical trials
- Azithromycin Reduction to Reach Elimination of Trachoma (PHASE4)
- Azithromycin Reduction to Reach Elimination of Trachoma B (PHASE4)
- Infant Mortality Reduction by the Mass Administration of Azithromycin (PHASE4)
- Evaluation of an Intensive 3-round MDA Strategy Towards Yaws Eradication (PHASE4)
- Tripartite International Research for the Elimination of Trachoma (PHASE4)
- Effect of WHO-yaws Elimination Strategy in Lihir Island, Papua New Guinea (PHASE3)
- Trachoma Amelioration in Northern Amhara (TANA) (PHASE4)
- Trachoma Elimination Follow-up (PHASE4)
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 |
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