ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/azithromycin
US brand names:Zithromax
Azithromycin is dosed at 10 mg/kg PO q2-7d (skin q3d; respiratory tract q5d; liver/kidn in ball pythons, per Coke RL, Hunter RP, Isaza R, et al. Pharmacokinetics and tissue concentrations of azithromycin in ball pythons (Python regius). Am J Vet Res. 2003;64:225-228. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.212 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.1 (Antimicrobial Agents Used in Reptiles.a,b). The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table — not the page — is the citable location. — CORROBORATED 2026-08-06 by independent literature: Pharmacokinetics and tissue concentrations of azithromycin in ball pythons (Python regius). (American journal of veterinary research, 2003). doi:10.2460/ajvr.2003.64.225. https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.2003.64.225. The paper reports this drug at this dose in this species: "nistration of a single dose. Animals 2 male and 5 female ball pythons. Procedures Using a crossover […]". This is a second source alongside the book already cited; it corroborates the figure and does not by itself establish that the dose is correct. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Binds to 50S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. Concentrates in tissues with long half-life.
CONTRAINDICATED orally in rabbits and guinea pigs (fatal dysbiosis). May cause GI upset. Long tissue half-life means prolonged effect after discontinuation.
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 16 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 5–10 mg/kg | q24h | Strong | Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.149 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.122, Azithromycin monograph spanning p.120-122; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, and carries this exact dose under the matching species heading. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207 |
| Cat (Domestic) | PO | 5–10 mg/kg | q24-48h | Strong | Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.149 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.122, Azithromycin monograph spanning p.120-122; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, and carries this exact dose under the matching species heading. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, — Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th ed (held), Azithromycin monograph, printed p.122 (corpus PDF p.149), CATS: "a) Upper respiratory infections (extra-label): 5 - 10 mg/kg PO every 24 hours for 5 days, then every 72 hours." Same monograph, printed p.121: "Azithromycin also has activity against Mycobacterium spp, but it is not recommended for Mycobacterium avium complex." [INDICATION NARROWED 2026-08-12, two readers — the feline bartonellosis figure on the same page is a single 10 mg/kg, and no feline mycobacterial dose is printed in this monograph.] |
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Species references:All African Grey Parrot drugsAll Ball Python drugsAll Blue-and-Gold Macaw drugsAll Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Chinchilla drugsAll Cockatiel drugsAll Degu drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Dwarf Hamster drugsAll Guinea Pig drugsAll Horse (Equine) drugsAll Mouse drugsAll Pet Rat drugsAll Rabbit (Domestic) drugsAll Syrian Hamster drugsAll Umbrella Cockatoo drugs