Azithromycin

Azithromycin is an antibiotic (macrolide-type) used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. This antibiotic only treats bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections.

Synonyms: Azax, Azilup, Azito, Azizen, Azenil, Azitromax, Aztrin, Hemomycin, Misultina, Mixoterin

Azithromycin Description
Azithromycin is an antibiotic (macrolide-type) used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. This antibiotic only treats bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections.

How to Use Azithromycin
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once a day, or as directed by your doctor. You may take this medication with food if stomach upset occurs. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at the same time each day. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection. Antacids may decrease the absorption of azithromycin. If you take an antacid, wait at least 2 hours after taking this medication. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Azithromycin Side Effects
Stomach upset, diarrhea/loose stools, nausea, vomiting, or stomach/abdominal pain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: hearing loss. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing of the eyes or skin. This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (pseudomembranous colitis) due to a resistant bacteria. This condition may occur weeks after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, or blood/mucus in your stool. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection (oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Azithromycin Interaction
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: aluminum- and magnesium-containing antacids, digoxin, live vaccines, lovastatin, nelfinavir, warfarin. This medication may decrease the effectiveness of combination-type birth control pills. This can result in pregnancy. You may need to use an additional form of reliable birth control while using this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Azithromycin Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe or persistent diarrhea.

Azithromycin Notes
Do not share this medication with others. This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in those cases.

Azithromycin Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Azithromycin Uses
Azithromycin is an antibiotic (macrolide-type) used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. This antibiotic only treats bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

Azithromycin Other Uses
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Azithromycin Storage
Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Azithromycin Precaution
Before taking azithromycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin, clarithromycin; or if you have any other allergies. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.