| abstract |
The present invention discloses 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 azithromycin multiparticulates, wherein said multiparticulates include azithromycin, a mixture of glyceryl monobehenate, glyceryl dibehenate and glyceryl tribegenate and poloxamer. Typically, the oral dosage form includes any suitable dosage form for oral administration, such as a powder for oral suspension, in a unit dose, a packet or sachet, tablet or capsule. Additionally disclosed is an oral suspension comprising azithromycin, an effective amount of an alkalizing agent, and a carrier. Preferably, azithromycin is in the form of multi-particles, wherein said multi-particles include azithromycin, a mixture of glyceryl monobegenate, glyceryl dibehenate and glyceryl tribegenate and poloxamer. Also disclosed is a method for reducing gastrointestinal side effects associated with administering azithromycin to a mammal, comprising concomitant administration of azithromycin and an effective amount of an alkalizing agent to said mammal, wherein the frequency of gastrointestinal side effects is reduced compared to a conventional administered equal dose of azithromycin without said alkalizing agent. Additionally disclosed is a method of treating a bacterial or protozoal infection in a mammal in need thereof, comprising concomitantly administering to said mammal a single dose of an oral dosage form, wherein |