What Is The Ideal Dose Of Azithromycin For Treating STD?

Posted on Sun, 25 Dec 2016

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

Sun, 25 Dec 2016 Answered on

Mon, 23 Jan 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : My daughter was prescribed azithromycin for four days but each daily dose is 1,000 mg. Isn't this excessive? Also she was prescribed this on Monday but I picked it up today and the package says acute. Wouldn't this mean the physician wanted her to start this immediately. She is at her grandparents for the night so I will not be able to discuss this until tomorrow. She is open with me and would share info re: STDs but she may not appreciate the seriousness and hence may not share. She is 18 years old and a freshman in college. She thought I was picking up birth control meds (a further indication of her willingness to be open). This dr. is great in terms of bedside manners but medically I may be a step ahead of him. Please advise. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Explained the recommended dose of Azythromicin

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for using HCM to post your question.
I read it carefully and I understand your concern.

These are my thoughts :
-- It is indeed a strange indication of Azythromicin.
-- For STI its given 1000 mg in one single dose.
-- For other infections its given 500mg for 3 days once/day or 500 mg the first day and 250 mg for for other days so 5 days total.
-- If your daughter is overweight/obese and if the infection is severe (not for STI because in that case the dose is standard so 1000mg single dose) then it can be given also 500mg once a day for 5 days.
-- Yes it is a medicine that is used for acute cases. In the case of STIs though 4 days won't make much of a difference, but if it was pneumonia or some other infection it would need to start it as soon as possible.

Hope this is helpful and I unswered all your questions.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.
Otherwise please kindly close and rate the answer.

Regards,
Dr.Papaqako

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar

Follow up: Dr. Klarida Papaqako (4 hours later)

Thank you and upon reading your reply, I double checked the bottle and I had misread it! It is indeed 1,000 mg for one day only. I had that it was 1,000 for 4 days. Again thank you

Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Happy to have been of help!

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

I am happy to have been of help.

Happy Holidays!

Dr. Papaqako

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee