What is Azithromycin for:
It is used to stop or treat bacterial infections.
How does Azithromycin work:
Azithromycin works to harm the bacteria and fight the infection
How should Azithromycin be used:
Take Azithromycin exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take Azithromycin at regular intervals as instructed. Take it at the same time each day. Do not skip any doses. Continue to take it even when you feel better. You must complete the entire course of antibiotic. If you dont, the infection will not clear completely.
If you have been given capsules, take them on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food, with plenty of water.
If you have been given tablets, swallow them whole with plenty of water. You may take the tablets with or without food. Take them after food if you experience any stomach discomfort.
If you have been given an oral suspension, shake it well before use to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose. You may take the suspension with or without food. Take it after food if you experience any stomach discomfort.
Common side effects of Azithromycin :
Belly pain. - Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals, good mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help. - Loose stools (diarrhea). Yogurt or probiotics may help. You may get these products at health food stores or in some pharmacies.
What do I do if I miss a dose
Call your doctor to find out what to do.
What precautions should I take when taking Azithromycin :
Alert your doctor if you have a history of allergic reactions (breathlessness, rashes, swollen mouth or eyes) to similar antibiotics such as clarithromycin, erythromycin or any other macrolide antibiotics.
When do I need to seek medical help
If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away. - Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.5°F (38°C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain. - Chest pain or pressure.
Very bad belly pain. - Very upset stomach or throwing up. - Not able to eat. - Feeling very tired or weak. - Very bad back pain. - Any bruising or bleeding. - Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes. - Night sweats. - A big weight loss. - Fever that does not go away. - Any rash. - Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.
Can I take Azithromycin with other medicines:
Do not take antacids together with Azithromycin. Antacids could reduce the effectiveness of Azithromycin. If you must take antacids, take them at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after Azithromycin. - Alert your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, especially those listed here: - heart medicines such as digoxin, digitoxin and amiodarone. - warfarin (a blood-thinning medicine). - lovastatin and other similar cholesterol medicines. - migraine medicines that contain ergotamine. - other medicines such as nelfinavir, triazolam. - Always inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Are there any food restrictions
Avoid Alcohol
How do I store Azithromycin :
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. - Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Pregnancy Category
Category B : Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester.
Therapeutic Classification
Macrolides
