What is the recommended dosage of azithromycin (Zithromax) for a 12-year-old child?

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From the Guidelines

Azithromycin should be dosed at 10 mg/kg on day 1, followed by 5 mg/kg/day on days 2-5, with a maximum dose of 500 mg on day 1 and 250 mg on days 2-5, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. When determining the dosage of azithromycin for a 12-year-old child, it is essential to consider the child's weight, the specific infection being treated, and their overall health status.

  • The dosage may vary depending on the condition being treated, and only a licensed healthcare provider should prescribe antibiotics after a proper medical evaluation.
  • Inappropriate use or dosing of antibiotics can lead to treatment failure, side effects, or contribute to antibiotic resistance.
  • Azithromycin may interact with other medications the child might be taking, and a healthcare provider should be consulted to determine the correct dosage and potential interactions. Some studies suggest that azithromycin can be effective in treating community-acquired pneumonia in children, with a recommended dosage of 10 mg/kg on day 1, followed by 5 mg/kg/day on days 2-5 1. However, the most recent and highest-quality study should be prioritized when making a definitive recommendation, which in this case is the 2019 study published in the Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection 1.
  • This study provides a clear dosage recommendation for azithromycin in children, which should be followed to ensure effective treatment and minimize potential side effects.
  • It is crucial to consult with a pediatrician or other healthcare provider to determine the correct dosage and treatment plan for the child's specific condition.

From the FDA Drug Label

Pediatric Patients Azithromycin for oral suspension can be taken with or without food. ... PEDIATRIC DOSAGE GUIDELINES FOR OTITIS MEDIA, ACUTE BACTERIAL SINUSITIS AND COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED PNEUMONIA (Age 6 months and above, see PRECAUTIONS—Pediatric Use.) ... PHARYNGITIS/TONSILLITIS: (5-Day Regimen) Dosing Calculated on 12 mg/kg/day for 5 days.

The recommended dose of azithromycin for oral suspension for the treatment of pediatric patients with acute otitis media is 30 mg/kg given as a single dose or 10 mg/kg once daily for 3 days or 10 mg/kg as a single dose on the first day followed by 5 mg/kg/day on Days 2 through 5. The recommended dose of azithromycin for children with pharyngitis/tonsillitis is 12 mg/kg once daily for 5 days.

To determine the recommended dosage of azithromycin for a 12-year-old child, we need to consider the child's weight.

  • For a child weighing 40 kg (approximately 88 lbs), the dosage for:
    • Otitis Media (5-Day Regimen) would be 10 mg/kg as a single dose on the first day followed by 5 mg/kg on Days 2 through 5, which translates to 400 mg on Day 1 and 200 mg on Days 2-5.
    • Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis would be 12 mg/kg once daily for 5 days, which translates to 480 mg once daily for 5 days. Given the information provided and assuming an average weight for a 12-year-old, the recommended dosage could be around 400-480 mg depending on the condition being treated. However, it's crucial to consult the specific dosage guidelines based on the child's exact weight and the condition being treated, as well as consulting a healthcare professional for precise guidance 2.

From the Research

Azithromycin Dosage for a 12-Year-Old Child

  • The recommended dosage of azithromycin for a 12-year-old child can be found in the study 3, which states that azithromycin was administered at a dose of 5 mg/kg per day for 14 days.
  • This dosage is specific to the treatment of non-severe respiratory exacerbations in children with bronchiectasis, and may not be applicable to other conditions.
  • It is essential to consult a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage of azithromycin for a specific child, as it may vary depending on the condition being treated and other factors.
  • Other studies, such as 4 and 5, discuss the use of azithromycin in various infections, but do not provide specific dosage recommendations for a 12-year-old child.
  • Study 6 discusses the use of azithromycin in adults with lower respiratory tract infections, and is not directly relevant to determining the dosage for a child.
  • Study 7 does not provide information on azithromycin dosage.

References

1
Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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