An Open, Multicenter, Randomized, Dose-Ranging Study of Azithromycin in the Treatment of Disseminated Mycobacterium Avium-Intracellulare Complex Infection (MAC) in Patients With Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

An Open, Multicenter, Randomized, Dose-Ranging Study of Azithromycin in the Treatment of Disseminated Mycobacterium Avium-Intracellulare Complex Infection (MAC) in Patients With Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of two doses of azithromycin given chronically for the treatment of Mycobacterium avium bacteremia in AIDS patients.

Inclusion Criteria

Concurrent Medication:

Allowed:

• Medications allowed under a Treatment IND program.

Patients must have:

• HIV infection.
• Disseminated Mycobacterium avium Complex.
• Fever (> 100 degrees F) that cannot be attributed to another active infection, and at least one other constitutional symptom (such as fatigue, malaise, anorexia).
• Life expectancy of at least the duration of the study.
• Consent of parent or guardian if below the legal age of consent.

Exclusion Criteria

Co-existing Condition:

Patients with the following symptoms and conditions are excluded:

• Known hypersensitivity or significant intolerance to macrolide antibiotics.
• Inability to take oral medications or a current condition likely to interfere with drug absorption (e.g., gastrectomy).

Prior Medication:

Excluded:

• Treatment with an immunostimulant or immunomodulator compound such as alpha-interferon, gamma-interferon, or any interleukin within 7 days prior to study entry.
• Any other antibiotic with known activity against M. avium within 7 days prior to study entry.

Not expected to comply with the requirements of the protocol, in the opinion of the investigator.