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Azithromycin 1.5% Ophthalmic Solution

In Purulent Bacterial or Trachomatous Conjunctivitis

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Abstract

The second-generation macrolide azithromycin is available as a 1.5% ophthalmic solution for use in the treatment of bacterial or trachomatous conjunctivitis. This article reviews the pharmacological properties of azithromycin 1.5% ophthalmic solution and its clinical efficacy and tolerability in patients with purulent bacterial conjunctivitis or trachomatous conjunctivitis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.

Azithromycin 1.5% ophthalmic solution had good in vitro activity against Haemophilus influenzae and C. trachomatis, and achieved good concentrations in tear samples from healthy volunteers.

Azithromycin 1.5% ophthalmic solution for 3 days (1 drop twice daily) was noninferior to tobramycin 0.3% ophthalmic solution for 7 days (1 drop every 2 hours) in paediatric and adult patients with purulent bacterial conjunctivitis, with regard to clinical cure and bacteriological resolution on day 9, in a randomized, investigator-masked, multicentre study.

In children with trachomatous inflammation, 3-day treatment with azithromycin 1.5% ophthalmic solution was noninferior to a single dose of azithromycin oral suspension, with regard to clinical cure rate in the worst eye at 60 days, in a randomized, double-masked, multicentre study.

Azithromycin 1.5% ophthalmic solution was well tolerated in patients with bacterial or trachomatous conjunctivitis. Most events were of mild to moderate severity.

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Acknowledgements and Disclosures

The manuscript was reviewed by: F. Allerberger, Division of Public Health, Österreichische Agentur für Gesundheit und Ernährungssicherheit (AGES), Vienna, Austria; D. Brémond-Gignac, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Amiens, Picardie Jules Verne University, Amiens, France.

The preparation of this review was not supported by any external funding. During the peer review process, the manufacturer of the agent under review was offered an opportunity to comment on this article. Changes resulting from comments received were made by the author on the basis of scientific and editorial merit.

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    Karly P. Garnock-Jones

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  1. Karly P. Garnock-Jones
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Correspondence to Karly P. Garnock-Jones.

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Garnock-Jones, K.P. Azithromycin 1.5% Ophthalmic Solution. Drugs 72, 361–373 (2012). https://doi.org/10.2165/11208580-000000000-00000

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