AzaSite

AzaSite is a topical 1% ophthalmic solution of azithromycin, a second-generation macrolide antibiotic, formulated in the DuraSite drug delivery system. Developed by Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC (originally by InSite Vision), it is primarily evaluated for the treatment of blepharitis, an inflammatory condition of the eyelid, and is approved for bacterial conjunctivitis. The drug functions through a dual mechanism: it provides broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against organisms such as Staphylococcus species and Corynebacterium by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit to inhibit protein synthesis, and it exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by suppressing inflammatory cytokines. The DuraSite vehicle is a polycarbophil-based delivery system designed to prolong the residence time of the drug on the ocular surface, allowing for less frequent dosing compared to standard ophthalmic antibiotics.

Brand names

AzaSite

Other names

Azithromycin ophthalmic solution 1%Azithromycin 1%Azithromycin in DuraSite