Azithromycin versus doxycycline as atypical coverage for adults hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia on a beta-lactam

Azithromycin Versus Doxycycline in Hospitalized Adult Patients With Community Acquired Pneumonia Treated With Beta-lactams

Phase 4 Interventional Mayo Clinic · NCT07164131

This trial will test whether adding azithromycin or doxycycline to a beta-lactam works better and is safer for adults hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMayo Clinic Academic / other
Locations5 sites (Scottsdale, Arizona and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT07164131 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This Phase 4 interventional trial compares two commonly used antibiotics (azithromycin and doxycycline) given alongside a beta-lactam in adults hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia. Eligible patients are adults admitted with CAP who receive a beta-lactam plus either azithromycin or doxycycline within 12 hours of admission. Key exclusions include high suspicion for Legionella, severe CAP, QT prolongation, pregnancy, receipt of other antibiotics like quinolones, admission >24 hours, and prisoners. The trial will measure clinical effectiveness and safety outcomes during the hospital course at Mayo Clinic sites.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults over 18 hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia who receive a beta-lactam plus either azithromycin or doxycycline in the emergency department within 12 hours of admission are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with suspected Legionella, severe CAP, significant QT prolongation, pregnancy, those receiving other non-study antibiotics, or prisoners are excluded and would not receive benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help clinicians choose the safer and more effective atypical antibiotic to add to beta-lactams for hospitalized CAP patients, potentially improving outcomes and reducing side effects.

How similar studies have performed: Previous trials and observational studies have supported adding a macrolide to a beta-lactam in hospitalized CAP, but direct head-to-head randomized data comparing macrolides with doxycycline are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

• All adult patients (\>18 years old) admitted with CAP and receiving a beta-lactam antibiotic plus a form of atypical coverage (azithromycin or doxycycline) in the ED within 12 hours of admission.

Exclusion Criteria:

* High clinical suspicion for Legionella pneumonia
* Allergy or contraindication to the use of either azithromycin or doxycycline (usual clinical practice)
* Antibiotics not for CAP
* Pregnant women (based on clinical assessment as part of standard of care)
* Severe CAP as defined by the ATS/IDSA criteria
* Corrected QT prolongation (\> 440 ms in men and \> 460 ms in women)
* Receiving a different antibiotic (e.g quinolones)
* Admission \> 24 hours
* Known to be a prisoner

Where this trial is running

Scottsdale, Arizona and 4 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Community-acquired PneumoniaAzithromycinDoxycyclinehospitalized
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.