Article Text
Abstract
Azithromycin, a second generation macrolide antimicrobial, has been widely used as a first line treatment for chlamydia and non-gonococcal urethritis and as part of dual treatment with ceftriaxone for gonorrhoea. Its unique pharmacokinetic properties including its extensive tissue distribution and long half-life, have enabled it to be administered as single dose treatment making it preferred for many STIs, particularly when there are any concerns about treatment adherence. A single dose regimen of azithromycin gives a larger maximum tissue concentration and has more rapid bacterial clearance than longer courses of the same overall dose suggesting that shorter durations of larger doses (>1g) will increase treatment efficacy and reduce the induction of resistance. However, the evidence suggests that the efficacy of azithromycin may vary by site of infection, particularly for chlamydia infection, with observational data finding that it might not be as effective for rectal chlamydia infections. The pharmacokinetic properties of azithromycin may also contribute to the development of macrolide resistance in other STIs including gonorrhoea and Mycoplasma genitalium. It has extensive tissue distribution with the majority of the drug confined to the intracellular space. After entering the acidic compartments of cells, it becomes trapped leading to its slow release from the tissues contributing to its long half-life. While this is effective for treating chlamydia, the long half-life results in sub-inhibitory levels in the extracellular space, potentially contributing to the development of macrolide resistance in other organisms. This is particularly an issue when new infections are acquired during the two weeks following azithromycin treatment when sub inhibitory concentrations exist. This presentation will discuss how the pharmacokinetic properties of azithromycin affect its efficacy for treating chlamydia infections and whether it should have an ongoing role as part of a dual treatment regimen with ceftriaxone for gonorrhoea infections.
Disclosure No significant relationships.