Joint Formulary & PAD

Azithromycin - Prevention of exacerbation and infection in adults with severe respiratory disease (Long-term use)

You are here : Home > Formulary Search > Azithromycin - Prevention of exacerbation and infection in adults with severe respiratory disease (Long-term use)

I agree that in using this database I understand that this platform only provides guidance on local prescribing policy and that all prescribing decisions are ultimately the responsibility of the clinician.

Status 1

Blue
Formulations :
  • Capsules
  • Oral suspension
Formulary Status :
Primary Care
ASPH
RSFT
SASH
SABP
Associated Icons :
Off Label
R
SPC
Restrictions / Comments :
Important

The specialist team should initiate treatment and then undertake the repeat ECG & LFT monitoring (at 1 month) as per the BTS guidance. The specialist team should continue to prescribe treatment until the ECG & LFT results have been reviewed as normal, and time given to communicate this in writing to primary care, with a request to transfer prescribing responsibilities. 

Monitoring requirements on information sheet BTS long-term use of macrolides in adults with respiratory disease

Restricted Use - for use when indicated by local trust antimicrobial guidelines, NICE condensed summary table of antimicrobial guidance or specialist microbiology recommendation.

Documentation

Evidence Review
Azithromycin long term as preventative in severe respiratory disease- Change in TLS - March 2026
Information
BTS long-term macrolide recommendations

PAD Profile

ChemicalSubstance :
Azithromycin
Indication :
Prevention of exacerbation and infection in adults with severe respiratory disease (Long-term use)
Group Name :
Keywords :
antibiotic, antibacterial, macrolide, bronchiectasis, COPD, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Asthma
Brand Names Include :
Zithromax
Important Information :
Latest Additions Date From :
20 Mar 2026
Latest Additions Date To :
24 Apr 2026
Guidelines :
Supporting Documents :
2

Committee Recommendations (2)

04 Mar 26 - Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care System Area Prescribing Committee (APC)

The Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care System Area Prescribing Committee has agreed a traffic light status for patients being treated long-term with azithromycin for the prevention of exacerbations and infections in adults with severe respiratory disease.

A BLUE (with specialist team initiation) traffic light status was agreed.

The specialist team should initiate treatment and then undertake the repeat ECG & LFT monitoring (at 1 month) as per the BTS guidance. The specialist team should continue to prescribe treatment until the ECG & LFT results have been reviewed as normal, and time given to communicate this in writing to primary care, with a request to transfer prescribing responsibilities

01 May 24 - Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care System Area Prescribing Committee (APC)

The Surrey Heartlands Area Prescribing Committee agreed the traffic light status of this drug and indication as part of the Joint Formulary review.

Other Indications

Below are listed other indications that Azithromycin is used to treat.

  • No records returned.

Other Drugs

Below are listed other drugs that are used to treat Prevention of exacerbation and infection in adults with severe respiratory disease (Long-term use).

  • No records returned.