| abstract |
An oral dosage form comprising azithromycin and an effective amount of an alkalizing agent. Preferably, said oral dosage form comprises an effective amount of an alkalizing agent and a multiparticular azithromycin wherein said multiparticulates include azithromycin, a mixture of glyceryl monobenzene, glyceryl dibenzene and glyceryl tribecenyl. Typically, the oral dosage form comprises any suitable oral administration agent such as oral suspension powder, a unit dose pack or sachet, a tablet or a capsule. In addition, an oral suspension comprising azithromycin, an effective amount of an alkalizing agent and a vehicle are disclosed. Preferably, azithromycin is in a multiparticulate form wherein said multiparticulate composition comprises azithromycin, a mixture of glyceryl monobenzene, glyceryl dibecenate and glyceryl tribecenate and a poloxamer. A method of reducing the gastrointestinal side effects associated with the administration of azithromycin to a mammal is also disclosed, including the adjacent administration of azithromycin and an effective amount of an alkalizing agent to said mammal where the frequency of gastrointestinal events is low. dose of azithromycin without said alkalinizing agent. A method of treating a bacterial or protozoan infection is further disclosed |