SYMPTOMATIC SYNDROME OF INAPPROPRIATE ANTIDIURETIC-HORMONE SECRETION ASSOCIATED WITH AZITHROMYCIN

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of symptomatic syndrome of inappropriate a ntidiuretic hormone (SIADH) secretion associated with azithromycin and review the literature related to this adverse drug reaction. DATA SOU RCES: Review articles identified by a computerized (MEDLINE) (1966-Apr il 1996) and manual (Index; Medicus) search. DATA SYNTHESIS: Azithromy cin is a well-tolerated broad-spectrum macrolide antibiotic. We report a symptomatic case of SIADH secretion associated with azithromycin. T he patient received two doses of azithromycin before the development o f sudden mental status changes associated with severe hyponatremia All other potential causes were ruled out. No previous reports exist in t he literature. CONCLUSIONS: Azithromycin may be associated with sympto matic SIADH secretion. Awareness and attention are required if patient s develop mental status changes or hyponatremia while receiving azithr omycin so that appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic actions can be i mplemented.