What is the most important information I should know about azithromycin? Back to top

You should not use this medication if you have ever had jaundice or liver problems caused by taking azithromycin. You should not use azithromycin if you are allergic to it or to similar drugs such as erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, E.E.S.), clarithromycin (Biaxin), telithromycin (Ketek), or troleandomycin (Tao).

There are many other medicines that can interact with azithromycin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.

Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Azithromycin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Do not take antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium within 2 hours before or after you take azithromycin. 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.

What is azithromycin? Back to top

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 not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking azithromycin? Back to top

You should not use this medication if you have ever had jaundice or liver problems caused by taking azithromycin. You should not use azithromycin if you are allergic to it or to similar drugs such as erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, E.E.S.), clarithromycin (Biaxin), telithromycin (Ketek), or troleandomycin (Tao).

To make sure you can safely take azithromycin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• liver disease;
• kidney disease;
• myasthenia gravis;
• a heart rhythm disorder; or
• a history of Long QT syndrome.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether azithromycin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take azithromycin? Back to top

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. The dose and length of treatment with azithromycin may not be the same for every type of infection.

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. Do not save for later use. Throw away any mixed oral suspension that has not been used within 12 hours.

To make sure you get the entire dose, add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away.

Azithromycin may be taken with or without food. Take the medicine with food if it upsets your stomach.

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 full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Azithromycin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

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

What happens if I miss a dose? Back to top

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose? Back to top

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort.

What should I avoid while taking azithromycin? Back to top

Do not take antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium within 2 hours before or after you take azithromycin. 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.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking azithromycin and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Azithromycin can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

What are the possible side effects of azithromycin? Back to top

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 a serious side effect such as:

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• chest pain, uneven heartbeats;
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;
• stomach pain or upset;
• dizziness, tired feeling, or headache;
• nervous feeling, sleep problems (insomnia);
• vaginal itching or discharge;
• mild itching or skin rash;
• ringing in your ears, problems with hearing; or
• decreased sense of taste or smell.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect azithromycin? Back to top

Many drugs can interact with azithromycin. Below is just a partial list. Tell your doctor if you are using:

• digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);
• carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol);
• cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune);
• phenytoin (Dilantin);
• pimozide (Orap);
• theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theolair, Theochron);
• triazolam (Halcion);
• warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);
• another antibiotic, especially clarithromycin (Biaxin) or erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S, Ery-Tab);
• a calcium channel blocker such as diltiazem (Cartia, Cardizem), felodipine (Plendil), nifedipine (Nifedical, Procardia), verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan), and others;
• cholesterol-lowering medicines such as lovastatin (Mevacor), atorvastatin (Lipitor), or simvastatin (Zocor);
• ergot medicine such as methysergide (Sansert), ergotamine (Ergostat, Medihaler, Cafergot, Ercaf, Wigraine), dihydroergotamine mesylate (D.H.E., Migranal Nasal Spray);
• HIV medicines such as nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir), saquinavir (Invirase); or
• alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), midazolam (Versed), or triazolam (Halcion).

This list is not complete and there are many other drugs that can interact with azithromycin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.

Where can I get more information? Back to top

Your pharmacist can provide more information about azithromycin.