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Azithromycin in Veterinary Medicine - Facts and Information

Azithromycin

Updated on September 10, 2024

Macrolide antibiotic used to treat various infections common in dogs, cats, and other pets

Azithromycin

Summary

Used For: A variety of bacterial, rickettsial and parasitic infections

Brands: Zithromax

Species: Dogs, cats, horses, small mammals, rodents, birds

Other names: Zmax, Z-Pak

Drug type: Antibiotic

Prescription required: Yes

Pregnancy and lactation: The safety of azithromycin in pregnant and lactating animals has not been determined.

Side effects: Gastrointestinal upset

General description

Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat various infections common in dogs, cats, and other pets.

Uses

Susceptible bacterial infections including urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, oral infections, skin infections, soft tissue infections; as well as certain rickettsial and parasitic infections.

How it works

Azithromycin is a bacteriostatic antibiotic that stops bacterial growth by inhibiting protein synthesis in susceptible bacteria.

Dosage

**Dogs**: 5 – 10 milligrams per kilogram of body weight by mouth every 24 hours. **Cats**: 5 – 10 milligrams per kilogram by mouth every 24 hours. **Horses**: 10 milligrams per kilogram by mouth every 24 hours. **Rodents/Small Mammals**: 15 – 50 milligrams per kilogram of body weight by mouth every 24 hours. Discontinue if soft stool occurs.  **Birds**: 10 – 40 milligrams per kilogram by mouth every 24 - 48 hours.

Forms

Azithromycin Oral Tablets: 250, 500, 600 milligram sizes Azithromycin Oral Solution: 100 milligram per 5 milliliters, 200 milligrams per 5 milliliters.

Storage information & handling

**Tablets**: store at room temperature protected from moisture and light **Reconstituted liquid**: store at room temperature and use within 10 days. Shake oral suspension well before use.

What results can I expect?

Assuming that the infection being treated is susceptible to azithromycin, resolution of the infection should occur during the treatment period.

Missed Dosage

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Never give two doses at once.

Overdose / acute toxicity

Overdose may cause significant vomiting and diarrhea.

Side effects

* Vomiting * Diarrhea * Decreased appetite * Liver disease (rare) * Facial swelling/hives (rare) * Anaphylaxis (rare)

Contraindications

Azithromycin should not be used in animals with: * Macrolide sensitivity * Hepatic disease

Drug interactions

The following drugs may interact with azithromycin: * antacids * cisapride * cyclosporine * digoxin * phenytoin * pimozide * warfarin Antacids should be administered at least 2 hours before or after azithromycin.

Precaution

Safety in pregnant or nursing animals has not been determined, use only when clearly necessary. Prolonged or repeated use of antibiotics may result in superinfection by resistant organisms

Sources

*Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook* *VIN Veterinary Drug Handbook*

Related Questions

My dog I heated uses tampon is it an emergency

Unfortunately I'm having a little trouble understand your question as I'm not sure what you mean by "My dog I heated uses tampons..." I'm wondering if Bella ate a tampon or if you wanted to use one on her while she is in heat. I will answer both to be safe. If she ate a tampon, then yes this is a medical emergency and she has to see a vet now. Tampons can easily cause obstructions in the GI tract, especially since they are absorbent and can get large in the stomach from liquid in there. if Bella ate a tampon, you need to take her into a vet immediately to get it removed. If she is on heat, no you cannot use a tampon to control her bleeding. It's not safe to use at all, and are not meant for dogs. You can put a diaper on her to catch any bloody discharge. There are dog specific diapers online and at pets stores, or you can use one made of a human child. Just cut a hole in it for her tail. Hopefully this answers your question. If it doesn't, I'm sorry and ask you post again in the forum for free to it can get answered!

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I have a cat that as a kitten was very ill. We got him from 7 months old. We knew he’d had cat flu prior to him coming here. He is now nearly 5 yrs old. He picks huge fights with our other cat. He keeps urinating and scratching at doors and windows around the house. We allow him to go out via the cat flap unlimited. What is happening to him

I'm glad to see that Pippin has been neutered because this eliminates that possibility of hormone-fueled behavioral changes and aggression. Behavioral changes in cats can occur at any point in time, and could be related to anxiety or stressful situations (even rearranging furniture or introducing new people to the home can be stressful to cats). Without a lot more information and observing Pippin's behaviors, I can't precisely tell you why these changes are occurring. It may be best to consult a veterinary behaviorist in your home so that they can observe everything firsthand. You can also try using calming pheromone collars or diffusers (Feliway is one example), and discussing the use of anxiety medication with Pippin's vet. I hope that all goes well!

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Hi! My cat was recently diagnosed with diabetes. He’s taking insulin and taking antibiotics for a Uti. It’s been 4 weeks and he wobles when he’s walking. He can’t jump up on the bed like he used to.He’s blood sugar is 250 it’s better than it used to. I don’t understand why he’s so wobbly.

Cats can develop what's called diabetic neuropathy, where their hindlegs become progressively weak. The best thing to do is try to get his diabetes under control as quickly as possible. Here is a link describing the conditon: http://www.diabeticcatcare.com/DCCCOK/Neuropathy.htm

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My senior cat has metastized cancer.17 yrs old. My vet gave her predizone1 and one half tabs a day.i wanted to know if i can just stop the meds.

Is there a reason you want to stop the prednisone? I would recommend not stopping it and if you feel it is better to stop the prednisone then I would recommend weaning off of the prednisone. I would discuss how to wean the prednisone with your veterinarian. Thank you for using Boop by Petco.

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My dog has an ear infection

Sorry to hear Marley isn't doing so well with his ears. It is not possible to tell from tge picture tve exact nature of the irritation but if it is indeed infected (typically red, hot, painful and smelly), he will need prescription medication from his regular vet. In the meantime I recommend gently cleaning tge outer war with cotton wool and a pet safe ear cleaner to reduce the build up of wax/discharge

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My dog vomited a pinkish colour. Does this look like blood vomit? She doesn’t have diarrhoea or anything else. Yesterday i fed her plain chicken with rice.

That is very red vomit, however, this color could be linked to a number of things including blood in the vomit, inflammation of the GI tract, having chewed on a toy this color, eaten a food item this color, or gotten into a plant or other item this color. If the vomiting continues, worsens, or other symptoms appear such as a painful or bloated abdomen, diarrhea or blood in the stool, or severe distress, I would schedule a veterinary appointment right away to rule out more severe issues. In the meantime I would continue the bland diet for 24 hours, and monitor for any additional vomiting or illness symptoms.

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Disclaimer

The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.