Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: AZITHROMYCIN (az-ith-roe-MYE-sin)
This medicine is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking propafenone or pimozide. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking anticoagulants (such as warfarin), digoxin, nelfinavir, cyclosporine, ergotamine, hexobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, theophylline, triazolam, certain medicines for high cholesterol (such as lovastatin), medicines for irregular heartbeat (such as amiodarone, quinidine, or disopyramide), or medicines that may affect your heartbeat. Ask your doctor if you are unsure if any of the medicines you are taking may affect your heartbeat. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including irregular heartbeat, kidney problems, liver problems, allergies, pregnancy or breastfeeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE within 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking aluminum or magnesium-containing antacids. SHAKE WELL. Use a measuring device marked for medicine dosing. Ask your pharmacist for help if you are unsure of how to measure this dose. STORE THIS MEDICINE between 41 to 86 degrees F (5 to 30 degrees C). TO CLEAR UP YOUR INFECTION COMPLETELY, continue taking this medicine for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days. Do not miss any doses. Taking this medicine at the same time each day will make it easier to remember. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it, to other macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), to ketolide antibiotics (such as telithromycin), or if you are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to erythromycin or any macrolide or ketolide antibiotic. A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine, contact your doctor or pharmacist. IF YOU EXPERIENCE difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. IF MODERATE TO SEVERE DIARRHEA OCCURS during or after treatment with this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not treat it with non-prescription (over-the-counter) medicines. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include mild diarrhea, nausea, or stomach pain. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience vomiting, changes in hearing, or ringing in the ears. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience chest pain; swelling of your hands, legs, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; fainting; hearing loss; hoarseness; irregular heartbeat; reddened, blistered, or swollen skin; seizures; severe stomach pain, cramps, or diarrhea; bloody stools; unusual vaginal itching, odor, or discharge; or yellowing of the eyes or skin. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children.