Special ArticleTreating patients with acute COPD in the ED Are 5 days of azithromycin enough?O'Hara, Ryan DMSc, PA-C Author Information Ryan O'Hara is an assistant professor in the PA program at High Point (N.C.) University. The author has disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise. JAAPA: June 2022 - Volume 35 - Issue 6 - p 1-3 doi: 10.1097/01.JAA.0000819552.78133.80 Buy Metrics Abstract ED clinicians typically discharge patients on 5-day regimens of azithromycin and corticosteroids after an acute COPD exacerbation. This article discusses various studies that evaluated chronic azithromycin therapy to prevent exacerbations in patients with COPD. Although ED clinicians typically do not prescribe chronic medications, they can provide patient-centered care and determine a patient's follow-up to see if chronic azithromycin is needed. Copyright © 2022 American Academy of Physician Associates
