Daily versus weekly azithromycin in cystic fibrosis patients.

Four randomised, placebo-controlled trials have previously documented the clinical benefits of azithromycin (AZM) in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. The present study examined whether the beneficial effect of AZM is equivalent when administered daily or weekly. A double-blind, randomised study was carried out in 208 CF patients aged 6-58 yrs who were assigned to AZM either 250 mg daily (n = 103) or 1,200 mg weekly (n = 105) for 6 months, with assessments at baseline and at 1, 3, 6 and 7 months.

Macrolides in cystic fibrosis.

Macrolide antibiotics have been licensed since the 1950s and have an important role in the treatment of a diverse range of infectious diseases. Macrolide antibiotics have antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria, some gram-negative bacteria and intracellular pathogens. The spectrum of antibacterial activity combined with excellent intracellular and tissue penetration has led to the extensive use of this class of drugs in respiratory disease.