Is Accidental Intake Of Double Dosage Of Azithromycin A Cause For Concern?

Posted on Sat, 5 Mar 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 5 Mar 2016 Answered on

Fri, 13 May 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I gave 3 my son a double douse of azithromycin

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Most likely your child will be safe, pls watch for side effects given below

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.

1. Azithromycin is an antibiotic medicine and prescribed to fight infections.

2. In most conditions, the child dose of azithromycin is 10 mg/ kg weight. The maximum dose for children above 6 months age is 500 mg per day.

3. I guess even if your baby sitter has given the double dose, it will not be more than 500 mg. It is better to confirm the dose in mg given to your child.

4. Usually pediatric suspension contains 200 mg azithromycin in 5 ml which is equal to 40 mg per ml. This is mentioned in the medicine package.

5. In most cases double the usual dose will not cause any serious side effects. However, the commonest side effect is diarrhea, nausea. abdominal pain or vomiting. If your child has any of these symptoms then please contact your doctor urgently.

Please avoid such an incident from happening again.

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar