Azithromycin for improving pulmonary function in cystic fibrosis.
OBJECTIVE
To review the literature concerning the use of azithromycin in the treatment of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF).


METHODS
A search of MEDLINE (1966-April 2004), Embase (1980-April 2004), and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1971-April 2004) was performed. Search terms included cystic fibrosis, macrolide, and azithromycin.


RESULTS
Four studies have been performed in 7-185 patients (children and adults) over a 3- to 6-month period. The azithromycin dosage ranged from 250 mg 3 times weekly to 500 mg daily. The trials reported an improvement in percent predicted forced expiratory volume ranging from 2.95% to 6.2% in patients treated with azithromycin compared with those receiving placebo.


CONCLUSIONS
Azithromycin appeared to improve pulmonary function in adults and older children with CF and was well tolerated when administered for 6 months. Further research is needed to determine an optimal dosage regimen, duration of treatment, effects on quality of life, and cost-effectiveness of azithromycin therapy.
Carr
Roxane R
RR
College of Pharmacy, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210-1291, USA.
Nahata
Milap C
MC
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017963:Azithromycin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011552:Pseudomonas Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D011550:Pseudomonas aeruginosa
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D017963:Azithromycin