Request a prescription now

Ingredient Name: AZITHROMYCIN (ay-ZITH-roe-MYE-sin)

Drug Manufacturer: TEVA

Common Uses: This medicine is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.

Before Using This Medicine: 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. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking dofetilide, nilotinib, propafenone, pimozide, or tetrabenazine. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking antiarrhythmics (eg, disopyramide), anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), arsenic, astemizole, carbamazepine, cisapride, digoxin, domperidone, maprotiline, methadone, nelfinavir, cyclosporine, ergot alkaloids (eg, ergotamine), paliperidone, phenytoin, quinolones (eg, levofloxacin), rifampin, terfenadine, theophylline, triazolam, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (eg, dasatinib), or medicines that may affect your heartbeat. Ask your doctor if you are unsure if any of the medicines you are taking may affect your heartbeat. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including irregular heartbeat, kidney problems, liver problems, myasthenia gravis, allergies, pregnancy or breastfeeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

How to Use This Medicine: 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. If you miss a dose, do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions: DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it, to other macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), to ketolide antibiotics (such as telithromycin), or if you are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to erythromycin or any macrolide or ketolide antibiotic. A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine, contact your doctor or pharmacist. 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 of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. This medicine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. MILD DIARRHEA IS COMMON with antibiotic use. However, a more serious form of diarrhea (pseudomembranous colitis) may rarely occur. This may develop while you use the antibiotic or within several months after you stop using it. Contact your doctor right away if stomach pain or cramps, severe diarrhea, or bloody stools occur. Do not treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE 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, headache, nausea, or stomach pain or upset. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience vomiting, changes in hearing, or ringing in the ears. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience chest pain; swelling of your hands, legs, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing; eye or vision problems; fainting; hearing loss; irregular heartbeat; muscle weakness; reddened, blistered, or swollen skin; seizures; severe stomach pain, cramps, or diarrhea; bloody stools; unusual vaginal itching, odor, or discharge; or yellowing of the eyes or skin. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing, or unusual hoarseness. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Overdose: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, 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 and pets.

Copyright 2009 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

Disclaimer - This information is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice. Be sure to contact your physician, pharmacist or other health care provider for more information about this medication. By searching these web site pages, you agree to our terms and conditions of use.