From the Research
For rosacea, azithromycin is typically prescribed at a dose of 500 mg taken orally once daily for 3 days, followed by 250 mg once daily for 2 days, then 250 mg twice weekly for several weeks, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study available 1.
Key Considerations
- Azithromycin works for rosacea through both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, reducing the skin inflammation and controlling Demodex mites that may contribute to symptoms.
- This medication should be taken on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
- Patients should complete the full course even if symptoms improve quickly.
- Common side effects include stomach upset, diarrhea, and nausea.
- If you have liver or kidney disease, heart rhythm problems, or take other medications, inform your doctor as dosage adjustments may be needed.
Evidence-Based Recommendations
- The study by 1 provides evidence for the effectiveness of azithromycin in treating rosacea, with a dose of 500 mg/day for 2 weeks showing significant improvement in symptoms.
- Other studies, such as 2, provide additional evidence for the use of azithromycin in rosacea treatment, although the specific dosing regimens may vary.
- The most recent study, 3, reviews the use of oral antibiotics, including azithromycin, in the management of rosacea, highlighting its potential benefits and limitations.
Important Notes
- Improvement is usually seen within 2-4 weeks of starting treatment.
- Azithromycin is an alternative to other oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline, and may be preferred in certain cases due to its anti-inflammatory effects and reduced risk of resistance.
- Patients should be monitored for potential side effects and interactions with other medications, and dosage adjustments should be made as needed.