Indications/Uses
Azithromycin is prescribed to treat bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, urinary tract, stomach, middle ear, skin and soft tissues. It is also prescribed to treat sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia, gonorrhea, cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix) and other genital infections.
Dosage/Direction for Use
Use azithromycin exactly as instructed by your doctor for it to be effective.
Take azithromycin with or without food; with food if it causes stomach upset. If you are instructed to take on an empty stomach, it must be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
If you are given the tablet, swallow it whole with a full glass of water. Do not break, crush or chew.
If you are given the oral suspension, shake it well before you take your dose. Use the provided measuring spoon or cup to measure your prescribed dose.
Continue taking this medicine regularly as advised by your doctor. Avoid skipping any dose even if you feel better. It is important that you complete the full course of azithromycin within the duration specified by your doctor. If you do otherwise, the infection will be more difficult to treat due to possible resistance of the bacteria to azithromycin.
If you forget to use this medicine on schedule, use it immediately as you remember. However, if it is already time for the next dose, just proceed with your next regular dose schedule.
Unless advised by your doctor, do not double or adjust dosage, or stop use even if you feel well.
Contraindications and Special Precautions
Inform your doctor or pharmacist:
- if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding;
- if you have any of the following conditions: allergy, liver problem, kidney problem, heart rhythm problem, history of Long QT syndrome, neuromuscular disorder (myasthenia gravis);
- if you are using any other prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and dietary or herbal supplements.
Do not take antacids containing aluminum and magnesium within 2 hours before or after taking azithromycin as they can affect its absorption.
Antibiotics can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. Alert your doctor if you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it; you will be advised on what medicine to take. Do not self-medicate to stop the diarrhea.
Keep a regular check-up schedule. Your doctor may prescribe tests to check and monitor your progress while under treatment with this medicine.
If you need to undergo surgery or dental procedure, inform your doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine before going through it.
Side effects may possibly occur as with most medicines. You may not experience any side effect; however, if you experience any of these side effects with azithromycin, inform your doctor immediately, especially if they become severe or persistent: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, dark urine, painful urination, difficulty urinating, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual bruising, white patches or sores in the mouth, chest pain and allergic reactions such as hives, difficulty breathing and swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
If you experience dizziness, do not drive, operate machinery or perform any activity which will need you to be alert.
The side effects mentioned here are not complete and others may occur. If you observe other side effects or reactions, call your doctor for advice.
Do not share your medicine with others even if you have the same disease symptoms.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep the medicine out of childrens reach. Discard it properly when it is expired or no longer needed.
Do not refrigerate or freeze the oral suspension; discard any unused portion after 10 days.
Features
- Azithromycin