What is the appropriate dosage of azithromycin (Zithromax) for a child weighing 17 kilograms?

From the Guidelines

For a child weighing 17kg, the recommended azithromycin dosage is 170mg (8.5mL of the 100mg/5mL suspension) once daily, based on the standard pediatric dosing of 10mg/kg on day 1, followed by 5mg/kg on days 2-5 if a 5-day course is prescribed, as recommended by the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society and the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1, 2. The medication should be given at the same time each day, either with or without food, though taking it with food may reduce stomach upset.

• Key considerations for administration include: + Shake the bottle well before measuring the dose using a medication syringe or dosing spoon for accuracy. + Complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve before finishing. + Common side effects may include mild stomach upset, diarrhea, or nausea. This dosing is appropriate for most common pediatric infections like ear infections, throat infections, or community-acquired pneumonia, but the exact duration of treatment (single dose, 3-day, or 5-day course) should be specified by the prescribing healthcare provider based on the specific infection being treated, as outlined in the guidelines for the management of community-acquired pneumonia in infants and children older than 3 months of age 2.

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.) Based on Body Weight OTITIS MEDIA AND COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED PNEUMONIA: (5-Day Regimen)

• Dosing Calculated on 10 mg/kg/day Day 1 and 5 mg/kg/day Days 2 to 5. ... Weight100 mg/5 mL200 mg/5 mLTotal mL per Treatment CourseTotal mg per Treatment Course KgLbs. Day 1Days 2–5Day 1Days 2–5 *Effectiveness of the 3-day or 1-day regimen in pediatric patients with community-acquired pneumonia has not been established. 5112.5 mL (½ tsp) 1.25 mL (¼ tsp) 7.5 mL150 mg 10225 mL (1 tsp) 2.5 mL (½ tsp) 15 mL300 mg 20445 mL (1 tsp) 2.5 mL (½ tsp) 15 mL600 mg 30667.5 mL (1½ tsp) 3.75 mL (¾ tsp) 22. 5 mL900 mg 408810 mL (2 tsp) 5 mL (1 tsp) 30 mL1200 mg 50 and above110 and above12.5 mL (2½ tsp) 6.25 mL (1¼ tsp) 37.5 mL1500 mg

For a child weighing 17kg, the recommended dose for azithromycin 100mg/5ml is:

• For otitis media and community-acquired pneumonia (5-day regimen): + Day 1: 10 mg/kg = 170 mg, approximately 17 mL (using 100 mg/5 mL) + Days 2-5: 5 mg/kg = 85 mg, approximately 8.5 mL (using 100 mg/5 mL)
• For otitis media and acute bacterial sinusitis (3-day regimen): + Days 1-3: 10 mg/kg = 170 mg, approximately 17 mL (using 100 mg/5 mL)
• For otitis media (1-day regimen): + Day 1: 30 mg/kg = 510 mg, approximately 51 mL (using 100 mg/5 mL) 3

From the Research

Azithromycin Dosage for a Child Weighing 17kg

• The provided studies do not directly address the dosage of azithromycin for a child weighing 17kg.
• However, study 4 discusses the use of height-based dosing for children, which may be relevant for determining the dosage for a child of a given weight.
• According to study 4, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends azithromycin distribution to children 1-11 months old to reduce mortality in high mortality settings.
• The study also mentions that weight was used to determine the dose in children 1-5 months old, but a simplified approach using age or height for all aged 1-11 months old could increase program efficiency.
• Study 4 suggests a dose of 80 mg (2 mL) for children 1-2 months old and 160 mg (4 mL) for children 3-11 months old, but does not provide information on dosing for children outside of this age range.
• Since the child in question weighs 17kg, which is likely to correspond to an age older than 11 months, the dosage information provided in study 4 may not be directly applicable.
• Studies 5, 6, and 7 discuss the use of azithromycin in various contexts, including COVID-19 treatment and lower respiratory tract infections, but do not provide information on pediatric dosing.
• Study 8 investigates the anti-influenza activity of azithromycin, but also does not address pediatric dosing.
• In the absence of direct evidence, it is not possible to determine the appropriate dosage of azithromycin for a child weighing 17kg based on the provided studies.