Azithromycin for Horse
Equine · Equus caballus · typical adult weight 350.00–700.00 kg
Azithromycin is used in horse for Rhodococcus equi in foals (with rifampin). Routes documented in horse: PO. A typical adult horse weighs 350.00–700.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Azithromycin in horse, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Trade names: Zithromax
Dose ranges
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 10 mg/kg | q24h x5 days then q48h | 4-12 weeks | Rhodococcus equi in foals (with rifampin) | Strong | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook |
Need the exact dose for your patient?
These ranges are per kg. Enter your horse's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Mechanism of action
Binds to 50S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. Concentrates in tissues with long half-life.
Side effects & warnings
CONTRAINDICATED orally in rabbits and guinea pigs (fatal dysbiosis). May cause GI upset. Long tissue half-life means prolonged effect after discontinuation.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for horse may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Other Antibiotic drugs with horse dosing
Azithromycin dosing in other species
Why a species-specific page? Azithromycin pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in horse — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.