Azithromycin

Azithromycin

Generic Name: azithromycin (a ZITH roe MYE sin)

Brand names: Azithromycin 3 Day Dose Pack, Azithromycin 5 Day Dose Pack, Zithromax, Zithromax TRI-PAK, Zithromax Z-Pak, Zmax, Zithromax IV

What is 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 other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about azithromycin

Do not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to azithromycin or 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 azithromycin for the fullprescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Azithromycin will not treat aviral 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.

Before taking azithromycin

Do not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to azithromycin or similar drugs such as erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, E.E.S.), clarithromycin (Biaxin), telithromycin (Ketek), or troleandomycin (Tao).

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need an azithromycin dose adjustment or special tests:

liver disease;

kidney disease;

myasthenia gravis;

a heart rhythm disorder; or

a history of Long QT syndrome.

FDA pregnancy category B. Azithromycin 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 azithromycin without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

See also: Azithromycin pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

How should I take azithromycin?

Take azithromycin 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 azithromycin 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?

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?

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?

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.

Azithromycin side effects

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

fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash.

Less serious azithromycin 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?

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);

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).

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

More Azithromycin resources

Azithromycin Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Drug Images

Azithromycin Drug Interactions

Azithromycin Support Group

77 Reviews for Azithromycin - Add your own review/rating

Azithromycin Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)

Azithromycin MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Azithromycin Monograph (AHFS DI)

azithromycin Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

Zithromax Prescribing Information (FDA)

Zmax Prescribing Information (FDA)

Zmax Suspension MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare Azithromycin with other medications

Babesiosis

Bacterial Endocarditis Prevention

Bacterial Infection

Bronchitis

Cervicitis

Chancroid

COPD, Acute

Cystic Fibrosis

Gonococcal Infection, Uncomplicated

Granuloma Inguinale

Legionella Pneumonia

Lyme Disease, Erythema Chronicum Migrans

Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare, Prophylaxis

Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare, Treatment

Mycoplasma Pneumonia

Nongonococcal Urethritis

Otitis Media

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pharyngitis

Pneumonia

Sinusitis

Skin Infection

Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis

Toxoplasmosis

Typhoid Fever

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about azithromycin.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects.