Connect
Doses for the Big 3 meds for MAC
I have had MAC for about 3 or 4 years. I’ve been in the “watch” stage with no meds. I also have Wegeners Disease which is under control but the meds bring down my immune system. I’ve had pneumonia for the last couple of months so my ID doctor is starting me on the Big 3 this week. I’m curious about the dosage that others are taking. Here’s what I have been given:
Azithromycin- 500mg
Ethambutol HCL - 1600 mg
Rifampin - 600mg
All 3 x week starting with the Azithromycin 1st & gradually adding the others.
Does anyone think the ethambutol a high dosage? Im 5’4 & weigh 145lbs.
Thanks for your input.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.
Connect
@sueinmn
What was your dose when you took them daily?
@galec I'm sorry but I don't remember! It was almost 7 years ago that I stopped the meds, too much has happened since to retain those details.
My dosages are azithromycin 250 mg, rifampin 600 mg, ethambutol 800 mg daily. I’ve been on 12 months with no issues. If my next sputum culture is negative I can stop in January. After 6 months my CT scan had improved. All the best to you!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsWhat I recall is that Ethambutol was by weight. My optic nerve was also looked at regularly to make sure no changes in, besides hearing. I couldn't take rifampin and had to discontinue it after struggling, but the two drugs worked without it.
My Ethambutol is 800 mgs …but that is everyday so my dosage is higher than your 3 day dosage,
I began one year ago taking the Big Three after my CT scan was showing more consolidation. I had no visible symptoms of infection. I recently began seeing new pulmonologist and infectious disease specialists. The new ID changed one of my prescriptions from Clarithromycin to Azithromycin, leaving the Rifampun and Ethambutol the same. The dosages and times on my prescriptions are exactly the same as what you have been prescribed. I'm feeling so much better taking the Azithromycin in place of the Clarithromycin (no diarrhea or other gut issues). I'm hoping to be able to go off the antibiotics in four months, as my last two sputum tests were negative and my latest CT showed slight improvement. Good luck with your treatment!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@kris2468
These are going to be my doses also. I have started Azithromycin and will add the other two. How do you take them? I know it’s individual but trying to find out what works for others. Probiotic timing? What wonderful news for you!!
@galec probiotics should be spaced out at least two hours apart from antibiotics. I separated and took each antibiotic at different times throughout the day but I see many people take theirs all together. This was the schedule from my ID Dr so I followed his instructions which worked but can also be a bit inconvenient making sure the timing is consistent particularly when not at home. I did better with a little food with the meds so scheduled meals and snacks around my medication schedule. I also put the timing into my phone as reminders which was helpful.
I’m going to do that with my phone also. Thank you