Does azithromycin need to be refrigerated? | Detailed explanation

This passage demonstrates the question “does azithromycin need to be refrigerated” by explaining overall how should the azithromycin be stored. As the paragraph goes, it illustrates the various types and brands of azithromycin and the methods of storing them, alongside the illustration of why drug storing condition is essential and critical, which would be also closely related to the risk of life.

How do we store azithromycin?

It is a commonly asked question whether azithromycin need to be refrigerated, as azithromycin, being an antibiotic that fights certain bacteria, is very usually prescribed and stored at family homes or brought in the luggage when traveling. Therefore, “how to store azithromycin” has become a question that a lot of people have, worrying that it might affect its drug effect or even bring side effects.

What is azithromycin?

Azithromycin is a kind of macrolide antibiotic used to treat certain bacteria infections by stopping the bacteria from growing. It treats conditions like ears, lungs sinuses or skin and throat infections, as well as STDs, pneumonia, bronchitis, etc. Azithromycin is just one kind of antibiotic, and for different kinds of antibiotics, there are different proper methods to store or transfer the drug.

Types and brands of azithromycin

There are serval different forms for azithromycin, that come with different storage requirements and conditions, including tablet form, capsule form, extended-release (long-acting) liquid suspension taken by mouth and an injectable liquid form. There are serval brands like Zithromax, Zithromax Single Dose Packets, Zithromax Tri-Paks, Zithromax Z-pads and Zmax.

The methods of absorption vary, so do their conditions of storage. So does azithromycin need to be refrigerated? That might depend on the form of it. Some forms of azithromycin might need to be stored under a colder temperature, the others might not. And the disposal methods vary by the forms as well.

The Correct way to store azithromycin – in different forms

Storage for extended-release oral liquid suspension form of azithromycin– Zimax / Zithromax

This form of azithromycin can not be frozen. It is an oral liquid form packed in a bottle. Keep it at room temperature (around 15°C to 30°C). The suspension is not recommended to be refrigerated, and it should be disposed of after 10 days. And after adding the water, it should be thrown away within 12 hours for any unused liquid.

Storage for tablets/capsules – Zithromax

The tablets should be stored under room temperature as well, and in dry conditions avoiding excessive heat. Freezing tablets is ineffable either. Besides, the tablets and capsules should be contained in boxes tightly closed, be thrown away after 10 days and excessive dosage.

Storage for injectable liquid of azithromycin – Zithromax

It should be supplied in a white to off-white colored lyophilized powder form. It is carried under a vacuumed single-dose vial for exactly 500 mg. The storage temperature for the vials should be at or below 30°C and shouldn’t be frozen as well.

Why is it critical to store azithromycin properly?

According to the study, the conditions of storage for the drug are closely correlated to the shelf life of the drug. It affects the stability and the effect of the drug. Air, temperature and humidity are all factors of deterioration for the medicine

Taking expired antibiotics is less effective and even can be risky as chemical composition might change, which is the “stability” mentioned above.  There might be the risk of growing bacteria and causing other infections. Therefore, storing the azithromycin and other kinds of antibiotics properly is critical; disposal at expiration or deterioration would be essential too.

Conclusion: 

It could be seen that we have the answer here for the question “does azithromycin need to be refrigerated” from the passage. It could be summed up that it is not necessary to store the azithromycin in the refrigerator. All forms of azithromycin can not be frozen. Carrying or supplying the drug at room temperature, around 15°C to 30°C with low humidity, would be the best for the shelf life and the effect of the drug. It is essential to store azithromycin under a suitable condition, but refrigerating it is not the one.