1. < MAC & Bronchiectasis

Daily Big 3 - Azithromycin Dosage

Posted by bayarea58 @bayarea58, May 12 1:59pm

For those on DAILY Big 3, what is your daily Azithromycin dosage? My local Dr. is recommending 250 mg a day, but I have read 500 mg a day is more common for daily regimens. I will be running the question by NJH on my upcoming visit, but am curious what other NTM patients are taking in terms of their daily Azithromycin dosages. Thanks.

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dilee | @dilee | May 16 9:53pm
In reply to @sueinmn "@bayarea58 More important than the dosage is that sensitivity testing has been done to be sure..." + (show)
@sueinmn

@bayarea58 More important than the dosage is that sensitivity testing has been done to be sure your NTM will respond to arithromycin. I just looked back - I was on 500mg three times a week, then 250mg when they switched me to daily dosing.

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I am also being treated for Mac and l am on 250mg of azithromycin a day. I am 2and a half months into treatment and the cavity in my lung has shrunk to half the size.

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2 replies
Mary | @mjb24 | May 17 6:40am
In reply to @dilee "I am also being treated for Mac and l am on 250mg of azithromycin a day...." + (show)
@dilee

I am also being treated for Mac and l am on 250mg of azithromycin a day. I am 2and a half months into treatment and the cavity in my lung has shrunk to half the size.

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@dilee That is great news! Treatment seems to be working for you.

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bayarea58 | @bayarea58 | May 17 6:29pm
In reply to @sueinmn "@bayarea58 More important than the dosage is that sensitivity testing has been done to be sure..." + (show)
@sueinmn

@bayarea58 More important than the dosage is that sensitivity testing has been done to be sure your NTM will respond to arithromycin. I just looked back - I was on 500mg three times a week, then 250mg when they switched me to daily dosing.

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@sueinmn yes Sue, sensitivity testing was done. Thx.

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1 reply
bayarea58 | @bayarea58 | May 17 6:33pm
In reply to @dilee "I am also being treated for Mac and l am on 250mg of azithromycin a day...." + (show)
@dilee

I am also being treated for Mac and l am on 250mg of azithromycin a day. I am 2and a half months into treatment and the cavity in my lung has shrunk to half the size.

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@dilee are you only on the Big 3 or are you also using an Aminoglycoside (amikacin, Arikayce, etc.)

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1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | May 17 9:57pm
In reply to @bayarea58 "@sueinmn yes Sue, sensitivity testing was done. Thx." + (show)
@bayarea58

@sueinmn yes Sue, sensitivity testing was done. Thx.

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I'm so glad to hear this. I had 3 friends and acquaintances diagnosed and prescribed in the past year without that check. Getting them to a better pulmonologist resulted in all three being placed in watch and wait status rather than on antibiotics.

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dilee | @dilee | May 17 10:35pm
In reply to @bayarea58 "@dilee are you only on the Big 3 or are you also using an Aminoglycoside (amikacin,..." + (show)
@bayarea58

@dilee are you only on the Big 3 or are you also using an Aminoglycoside (amikacin, Arikayce, etc.)

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I am only on the 3meds ethambutol 800mg, rifampicin 600mg and azithromycin 250 daily. Started with an induction course of Amikacin 25mg IV thrice weekly for two weeks, in hospital as well as the 3meds.

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1 reply
vdart | @vdart | May 18 6:27am

Hello. I haven’t heard of the large doses of Ethambutol and Rifampicin. I am on half that strength on those meds. Same dosage on Azithromycin. But I take all 3 MWF. I have MAC (for the 4th time) and also Aspergillosis (3rd time) at the same time now. May I ask what type of MAC you have?! How did you do with the IV treatment in the hospital? How are you feeling now? Any signs of improvement? I wish you the best! 🙂

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1 reply
nanasue5 | @nanasue5 | May 18 12:24pm
In reply to @dilee "I am only on the 3meds ethambutol 800mg, rifampicin 600mg and azithromycin 250 daily. Started with..." + (show)
@dilee

I am only on the 3meds ethambutol 800mg, rifampicin 600mg and azithromycin 250 daily. Started with an induction course of Amikacin 25mg IV thrice weekly for two weeks, in hospital as well as the 3meds.

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I am 8 months in treatment. I am on azithromycin 500 mg., 1600 mg of Ethambutol M W F and just added Moxifloxacin 400mg. I also do 7% Sodium Chloride inhaler 2x daily.
My and CT was improved and so was my Bronc. Still positive culture. I am treated for MAC and
Bronchiectasis. Has anyone had problems with these 3. I won’t do Arikayce I can’t have rifampicin due to Eliquis.

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rmoore901 | @rmoore901 | May 18 4:16pm
In reply to @vdart "Hello. I haven’t heard of the large doses of Ethambutol and Rifampicin. I am on half..." + (show)
@vdart

Hello. I haven’t heard of the large doses of Ethambutol and Rifampicin. I am on half that strength on those meds. Same dosage on Azithromycin. But I take all 3 MWF. I have MAC (for the 4th time) and also Aspergillosis (3rd time) at the same time now. May I ask what type of MAC you have?! How did you do with the IV treatment in the hospital? How are you feeling now? Any signs of improvement? I wish you the best! 🙂

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Sorry to hear about your repeated MAC and Aspergillus infections. Did you have to treat the Aspergillus all three times and at the same time as the MAC treatment? I’m about 3 weeks away from finishing off my 12 week course of Cresemba and really hoping I don’t have to repeat it as that was a rough one to add unto the big 3.

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1 reply
vdart | @vdart | May 19 3:03am
In reply to @rmoore901 "Sorry to hear about your repeated MAC and Aspergillus infections. Did you have to treat the..." + (show)
@rmoore901

Sorry to hear about your repeated MAC and Aspergillus infections. Did you have to treat the Aspergillus all three times and at the same time as the MAC treatment? I’m about 3 weeks away from finishing off my 12 week course of Cresemba and really hoping I don’t have to repeat it as that was a rough one to add unto the big 3.

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This is the first time I have had MAC & Aspergillosis together.
Sorry you are on RX Cresemba along with the big 3! That’s a new one to me as well. This Mayo Connection is so resourceful. I am learning so much. People are so helpful and willing to share their personal stories. All the best!

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