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Doses for the Big 3 meds for MAC
MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: 5 hours ago | Replies (11)Comment receiving replies
Hi - I'm 5'1", 100 lb. I'd ask the doctor about the criteria for choosing the dose and also how long he expects you'll be on it.
My dosing has been as follows:
Sep-Dec 2025:
Azithromycin- 500mg x 1 tablet = 500 mg Mon, Wed, Fri
Ethambutol HCL - 400 mg x 2 tablets = 800 mg Mon, Wed, Fri
Rifampin - 300mg x 2 tablets = 600 mg Mon, Wed, Fri
Dec 2025 - present (May 2026):
Removed Ethambutol in December, continued the others as above. My cough disappeared 2 weeks into the above regimen and I've been stable since then. I'd love to get off the others as well, but he wants me to be on them for a full year.
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@rc4mc
I was on the big 3 MWF and didn't feel well with the relatively high doses of medication, Rifampin in particular. My UCSF doctor took me off Rifampin and switched me to daily M-F medications at much lower doses. It has worked well for me and now I am adding Arikayce. If you have a hard time with the higher doses, I suggest you ask your doctor about switching to daily doses. Also, I'd like any feedback on Arikayce that anyone can offer. I have read studies that say it is more effective as one of the Big 3, but I am worried about tinnitus, which I already have from Azithrymicin, and the time it takes to nebulize in addition to daily saline nebulizing. I may switch to Chlorfazamine (spelling?) and am interested in learning more about this group's personal experiences and pros and cons of both. Good luck to you.