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Azithromycin-induced agitation and choreoathetosis
Osman Farooq1, Zebunnissa Memon, Sasko D Stojanovski
1Department of Pediatrics, Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA. osmanfarooq@yahoo.com
Pediatric Neurology
|March 15, 2011
Summary
Azithromycin, a common antibiotic, may cause agitation and involuntary movements in children. Symptoms resolved after stopping the drug, suggesting a probable adverse reaction to this widely used medication.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Pharmacovigilance
- Adverse Drug Reactions
Background:
- Azithromycin is a widely prescribed macrolide antibiotic used for common pediatric infections.
- Neurological side effects of antibiotics can occur, but specific movement disorders are less commonly reported.
Observation:
- A pediatric patient experienced episodes of agitation and choreoathetoid movements during two separate courses of azithromycin therapy.
- These neurological symptoms ceased upon discontinuation of the antibiotic in both instances.
Findings:
- The adverse event was classified as a probable drug reaction using the Naranjo scale (score of 6).
- This case represents the first reported instance of azithromycin-induced agitation accompanied by choreoathetosis in a child.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider azithromycin as a potential cause of agitation and choreoathetosis in pediatric patients.
- Awareness of this potential serious adverse reaction is crucial given the widespread use of azithromycin for common infections like otitis media and pneumonia.
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