General Information and Indications:
Azithromycin is used to treat certain
infections caused by bacteria, such as bronchitis; pneumonia; sexually
transmitted diseases (STD); and infections of the ears, lungs, skin, and
throat. Azithromycin is in a class of medications called macrolide
antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics will
not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
Information For Users:
Azithromycin comes as a tablet and oral suspension
(liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food once a
day for 1-5 days. To help you remember to take azithromycin, take it around
the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label,
ask your doctor or pharmacist If you have any questions. Take azithromycin
exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often
than prescribed by your health care provider.
Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly. Use only
the syringe provided to measure the correct amount of medication. Rinse the
syringe with water after taking the full dose of medication.
The tablets must be taken with a full glass of water.
Take azithromycin until you finish the prescription, even if you feel
better. Stopping azithromycin too soon may cause bacteria to become
resistant to antibiotics.
Other uses for this medicine
Azithromycin is also used sometimes to treat H. pylori
special precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
allergy to azithromycin, clarithromycin (Biaxin), dirithromycin (Dynabac),
erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Erythrocin), or any other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are
taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants ('blood
thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune);
digoxin (Lanoxin); dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal); ergotamine (Ergomar);
medications that suppress the immune system; nelfinavir (Viracept);
phenytoin (Dilantin); and terfenadine (Seldane). Your doctor may need to
change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side
effects.
o if you take antacids (Mylanta, Maalox), take them 2 hours before or 4
hours after azithromycin.
o inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding cystic fibrosis, human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV), irregular heartbeat, or kidney or liver
disease.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking azithromycin, call your
doctor.
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Azithromycin may cause adverse effects. Inform
your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away:
o upset stomach
o diarrhea
o vomiting
o stomach pain
o mild skin rash
Some adverse effects could be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon,
but if you experience any of them, call your doctor without delay:
o severe skin rash
o hives (Urticaria)
o itching
o difficulty swallowing or breathing
o swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or
lower legs
o hoarseness
o yellowing of the skin or eyes, jaundice
o rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
Brand Name(s):
o Zithromax®
o Zithromax® Single Dose Packets
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