Azithromycin

Azithromycin is in a group of drugs called macrolide antibiotics. Azithromycin fights bacteria in the body. Azithromycin is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria, such as respiratory infections, skin infections, ear infections, and sexually transmitted diseases. Azithromycin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

	Azithromycin®
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How should I take azithromycin?

• Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. The dose and length of treatment with azithromycin may not be the same for every type of infection.

• Take each tablet or capsule with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

• To use the oral suspension single dose packet: Open the packet and pour the medicine into 2 ounces of water. Stir this mixture and drink all of it right away. To make sure you get the entire dose, add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away.

• Azithromycin capsules must be taken on an empty stomach. Take the capsule at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating a meal

• Azithromycin tablets or powder oral suspension may be taken with or without food. Take the tablet or oral suspension with food if the medicine upsets your stomach.

• Do not take azithromycin at the same time as taking an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium. This includes Rolaids, Maalox, Mylanta, Milk of Magnesia, Pepcid Complete, and others. These antacids can make azithromycin less effective when taken at the same time.

• Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

• Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Azithromycin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

• It is important to take azithromycin regularly to get the most benefit.

• Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Throw away any unused liquid medicine after 10 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

• Symptoms of an azithromycin overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort.

What should I avoid while taking azithromycin?

• Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

• Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Azithromycin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.

What are the possible side effects of azithromycin?

• Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Stop using azithromycin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

· diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

· chest pain, uneven heartbeats; or

· nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

• Continue using azithromycin and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

· mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or stomach pain;

· dizziness, tired feeling, or headache;

· vaginal itching or discharge; or

· mild itching or skin rash.

• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect azithromycin?

• Do not take antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium within 2 hours of taking azithromycin.

• Before taking azithromycin, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

· nelfinavir (Viracept);

· digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);

· ergot medicine such as methysergide (Sansert), ergotamine (Ergostat, Medihaler, Cafergot, Ercaf, Wigraine), dihydroergotamine mesylate (D.H.E., Migranal Nasal Spray);

· triazolam (Halcion);

· carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol);

· cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune);

· phenytoin (Dilantin);

· cholesterol-lowering medicines such as lovastatin (Mevacor), atorvastatin (Lipitor),

· a calcium channel blocker such as diltiazem (Cartia XT, Diltiazem, Tiazac), felodipine , nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat), verapamil (Calan, Covera-HS);

· HIV medicines such as indinavir (Crixivan), ritonavir (Norvir), saquinavir (Invirase);

· alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), midazolam (Versed), triazolam (Halcion);

· theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theolair, Theochron);

· warfarin (Coumadin);

· pimozide (Orap); or

· another antibiotic,

• If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use azithromycin, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.