Psittacosis medical therapy

Psittacosis is treated with tetracyclines. Remission of symptoms usually is evident within 48-72 hours. However, relapse can occur, and treatment must continue for at least 10-14 days after fever abates. For pregnant patients or infants, the preferred treatment is azithromycin because tetracyclines are contraindicated.

• 1. Psittacosis^[1]

• 1.1 Adult

• Preferred regimen (1): Doxycycline 100 mg PO bid for 10-21 days
• Preferred regimen (2): Tetracycline 500 mg PO qid for 10-21 days
• Alternative regimen: Minocycline

• 1.2 Pediatric

• 1.2.1 Mild infection, Infants > 3 months

• Preferred regimen: Azithromycin 10 mg/kg PO qd on day 1 THEN 5 mg/kg PO q24h for 4 days (maximum 500 mg for 1st dose, 250 mg for subsequent doses)

• 1.2.2 Moderate-severe infection, Infants > 3 months

• Preferred regimen: Azithromycin 10 mg/kg IV q24h for 2 days THEN 5 mg/kg PO qd for 3 days (maximum 500 mg/dose IV or 250 mg/dose PO)

• 1.3 Pregnant Patients

• Preferred regimen: Azithromycin 500 mg PO on day 1 THEN 250 mg qd on days 2-5 OR 500 mg IV as a single dose for at least 2 days, followed by 500 mg PO qd for 7-10 days