eMJA: Pertussis prevention and treatment: a call for wider access to azithromycin

Viewpoint

Pertussis prevention and treatment: a call for wider access to azithromycin

Asha C Bowen, Mark J Ferson, Linda V Graudins and Pamela Palasanthiran

MJA 2009; 190 (7): 388-389

Introduction

—

Equity of access: azithromycin for pertussis treatment and prophylaxis

—

Acknowledgements

—

Competing interests

—

Author details

—

References

Abstract

Azithromycin is recommended as the first-line antibiotic for the prophylaxis and treatment of pertussis, a common vaccine-preventable communicable disease.
Azithromycin is better tolerated than other macrolide antibiotics.
Access to azithromycin is limited, as the product information and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme do not include azithromycin for pertussis.
Issues regarding access to azithromycin are highlighted in a case report of pertussis exposure in a tertiary paediatric hospital.

NB: If you are registered with the eMJA, your username is the email address you have provided.
If you don't have a login, click here for subscription options. You will be prompted to create an account upon purchase.

AMA members can login using their AMA username and password.
If you don't know your AMA password, please contact the AMA on 02 6270 5400 or membership@ama.com.au, or try to retrieve your password at this address.

The Medical Journal of Australia eMJA

Username:
Password:

Password forgotten? Click here What is my username?