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 purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about azithromycin?

• Do not use azithromycin if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medicine or similar drugs such as erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, E.E.S.), clarithromycin (Biaxin), or other macrolide antibiotics.
• Before taking azithromycin, tell your doctor if you have:
  • liver disease;
  • kidney disease;
  • a heart rhythm disorder; or
  • a history of Long QT syndrome.
• If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use azithromycin, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
• FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
• Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take azithromycin?

• Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. The dose and length of treatment with azithromycin may not be the same for every type of infection.
• Azithromycin capsules must be taken on an empty stomach with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Take the capsule at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating a meal.
• Azithromycin tablets or powder oral suspension may be taken with or without food. Take the tablet or oral suspension with food if the medicine upsets your stomach.
• Do not take azithromycin at the same time as taking an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium. 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.
• It is important to take azithromycin regularly to get the most benefit.
• Store this medication 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. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
• Symptoms of an azithromycin overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort.

What are the possible side effects of azithromycin?

• Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Stop using azithromycin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
  • diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
  • chest pain, uneven heartbeats; or
  • nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
• Continue using azithromycin and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:
  • mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or stomach pain;
  • dizziness, tired feeling, or headache;
  • vaginal itching or discharge; or
  • mild itching or skin rash.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What drug(s) may interact with azithromycin?

• antacids
• astemizole
• digoxin
• dihydroergotamine
• ergotamine
• magnesium salts
• terfenadine
• triazolam
• warfarin