An oral
dosage form comprising
azithromycin and an effective amount of an
alkalizing agent. Preferably, said oral
dosage form comprises an effective amount of an
alkalizing agent and an
azithromycin multiparticulate wherein said multiparticulate comprises
azithromycin, a mixture of glyceryl monobehenate, glyceryl dibehenate and glyceryl tribehenate, and a
poloxamer. Typically, the oral
dosage form includes any suitable oral dosing means such as a
powder for oral suspension, a unit
dose packet or sachet, a tablet or a
capsule. Additionally disclosed is an oral suspension comprising azithromycin, an effective amount of an
alkalizing agent and a vehicle. Preferably, the azithromycin is in multiparticulate form wherein said multiparticulate comprises azithromycin, a mixture of glyceryl monobehenate, glyceryl dibehenate and glyceryl tribehenate, and a
poloxamer. Also disclosed is a method for reducing gastrointestinal side effects, associated with administering azithromycin to a
mammal, comprising contiguously administering azithromycin and an effective amount of alkalizing agent to said
mammal wherein the frequency of gastrointestinal side effects is lower than that experienced by administering an equal
dose of azithromycin without said alkalizing agent. Further disclosed is a method of treating a bacterial or
protozoal infection in a
mammal in need thereof comprising contiguously administering to said mammal a single
dose of an oral dosage form wherein said oral dosage form comprises azithromycin and an effective amount of an alkalizing agent. Additionally disclosed are azithromycin multiparticulates comprising azithromycin, a surfactant; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.