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Single-dose azithromycin microsphere formulation: a novel delivery system for antibiotics

David Amrol1

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29203, USA. damrol@sc.edu

International Journal of Nanomedicine
|August 29, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Azithromycin extended release (Zmax) offers a novel single-dose treatment for pneumonia and sinusitis. Its sustained-release microspheres reduce gastrointestinal side effects, improving tolerability for single-dose azithromycin therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

  • Azithromycin is an effective antibiotic for bacterial infections.
  • Previous single-dose azithromycin formulations were limited by gastrointestinal side effects.
  • Community-acquired pneumonia and acute bacterial sinusitis are common infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the novel single-dose azithromycin extended-release formulation (Zmax).
  • To assess the efficacy and tolerability of Zmax for treating community-acquired pneumonia and acute bacterial sinusitis.

Main Methods:

  • Development of azithromycin incorporated into sustained-release microspheres.
  • Utilizing 200-micrometer pores for slow drug release.
  • Administration as a single dose.

Main Results:

  • The extended-release formulation directs most of the azithromycin to the lower gastrointestinal tract.
  • This sustained release mechanism reduces gastrointestinal side effects.
  • Enables administration of a higher azithromycin dose, improving suitability for single-dose therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Azithromycin extended release (Zmax) provides an improved option for single-dose antibiotic therapy.
  • The formulation overcomes previous limitations of gastrointestinal side effects associated with single-dose azithromycin.
  • Zmax is approved for treating community-acquired pneumonia and acute bacterial sinusitis.

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