Common
uses
This medicine is a macrolide
antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.
Tablets
Chemical Name: AZITHROMYCIN (az-ith-roe-MYE-sin)
Before
using
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. ADDITIONAL
MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking
anticoagulants, digoxin, nelfinavir, theophylline, triazolam, rifampin, and
certain drugs used for high cholesterol (e.g., lovastatin). Inform your doctor
of any other medical conditions including kidney disease, allergies, pregnancy,
or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions
or concerns about taking this medicine.
Directions
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 aluminum- or magnesium-containing antacids. STORE THIS MEDICINE at
room temperature, away from heat and light. 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.
Cautions
If your symptoms do not
improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor. 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. 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
doses of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. BEFORE YOU BEGIN
TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with
your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN TAKING BIRTH CONTROL PILLS: this medicine
may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pill. To prevent
pregnancy, you may want to use an additional form of birth control. IT IS
UNKNOWN IF THIS DRUG 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.
Possible
side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away
during treatment, include mild diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR
DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience hearing loss or ringing in the
ears. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse,
or pharmacist.
Drug
interactions
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.
If
you take too much
If overdose is suspected,
contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Additional
information
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.
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