Total Quantity Calculation for Azithromycin Regimen
The total quantity of azithromycin for this regimen is 360 mg over 5 days (120 mg on day 1 + 60 mg × 4 days = 120 + 240 = 360 mg total).
Breakdown by Day
Clinical Context and Dosing Considerations
This 360 mg total dose regimen is substantially lower than standard azithromycin dosing for most bacterial infections and does not align with established guideline recommendations for any common indication 1, 2.
Standard Pediatric Dosing for Comparison
For most pediatric bacterial infections, the standard regimen is:
- 10 mg/kg on day 1 (maximum 500 mg)
- 5 mg/kg daily on days 2-5 (maximum 250 mg/day)
- Total dose: approximately 30 mg/kg over 5 days 1, 2, 3
For streptococcal pharyngitis specifically:
Weight Estimation for This Regimen
If this 360 mg total dose represents a standard 30 mg/kg regimen, the patient would weigh approximately 12 kg (360 mg ÷ 30 mg/kg = 12 kg) 1, 3.
Important Clinical Caveats
This dosing regimen appears to be a pediatric prescription based on the total dose of 360 mg, which is well below adult dosing 1, 2.
Standard adult regimens for comparison:
- Community-acquired infections: 500 mg day 1, then 250 mg days 2-5 (total 1500 mg) 1, 2
- Single-dose therapy for chlamydia: 1000 mg once (total 1000 mg) 1, 2
- Chronic therapy for bronchiolitis obliterans: 250 mg daily for 5 days, then 250 mg three times weekly 6
The 360 mg total dose is appropriate only for a small child (approximately 12 kg or 26 pounds), and prescribers should verify weight-based dosing calculations before dispensing 1, 3.