The absence of an effect of food on the bioavailability of azithromycin administered as tablets, sachet or suspension

Present product labelling indicates that azithromycin capsules should not be taken with food. However, three recent studies demonstrated that food does not significantly decrease the bioavailabilities of three new formulations of azithromycin (250 mg tablets, 1000 mg sachet, 500 mg paediatric suspension). With a 500 mg dosage, the mean relative bioavailability of azithromycin following ingestion of a standard high-fat breakfast was 96% when administered as two 250 mg tablets and 113% when administered as a suspension. The mean relative bioavailability of a 1000 mg sachet was 112%. The absolute bioavailability of the sachet formulation, relative to a 1 h iv infusion of 1000 mg, was 44%. Thus, azithromycin tablets, suspension and sachet may be given without regard to meals, further enhancing the convenience of once-daily, short-duration dosing regimens.