Intravenous azithromycin-induced ototoxicity.
Intravenous azithromycin is increasingly administered for treatment of hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia. Macrolide antibiotics cause ototoxicity, which occurs most frequently when high serum concentrations are achieved. Current dosing guidelines for intravenous azithromycin can result in much higher serum concentrations than is seen with oral administration. We describe a 47-year-old woman who developed complete deafness after receiving 8 days of intravenous azithromycin.
Bizjak
E D
ED
College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, USA.
Haug
M T
MT
Schilz
R J
RJ
Sarodia
B D
BD
Dresing
J M
JM
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017963:Azithromycin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003638:Deafness / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008875:Middle Aged; D011024:Pneumonia, Viral / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D017963:Azithromycin