zithromax and Psychomotor-Agitation

Topics: Akathisia, Drug-Induced; Antipsychotic Agents; Azithromycin; Humans; Mirtazapine; Psychomotor Agitation

We report a child who developed agitation and choreoathetoid movements with azithromycin therapy on 2 separate occasions. In both instances, the symptoms resolved when the antibiotic was discontinued. By means of the Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale, we classified this event as a probable adverse drug reaction (score of 6 points). To our knowledge, this is the first published case of azithromycin-induced agitation with choreoathetosis. Because this is a widely used medication for many common infectious conditions, including otitis media and pneumonia, this potential serious adverse reaction should be considered.

Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Azithromycin; Child; Chorea; Developmental Disabilities; Humans; Male; Psychomotor Agitation