Azithromycin (By Mouth)

Azithromycin (az-ith-roe-MYE-sin)

Treats infections caused by bacteria. This medicine is a macrolide antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

Zithromax Z-Pak, Zithromax, Zithromax Tri-Pak
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to azithromycin, erythromycin, or any other macrolide antibiotic.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Powder, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You may take this medicine with or without food.
• To use the powder, open one packet and pour all of the medicine from the packet into about 2 ounces of water. Mix well and drink the medicine right away. Rinse the glass with another 2 ounces of water, and drink that too so you get all of the medicine.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon or oral syringe. Shake the bottle well before measuring the medicine. Rinse the spoon or oral syringe with water when you are finished.
• Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Use the oral liquid within 10 days after you fill the prescription, and throw away any medicine that is left over when you are finished with your treatment time.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using theophylline, digoxin (Lanoxin®), triazolam (Halcion®), terfenadine (Seldane®), cyclosporine (Sandimmune®, Neoral®), a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®), ergot medicines (such as Cafergot® or Wigraine®), or medicine for seizures (such as carbamazepine, Tegretol®, phenytoin, Dilantin®).
• Do not take antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium (such as Di-Gel®, Gaviscon®, Gelusil®, Maalox®, Mylanta®, Phillips®, Tempo®) at the same time you take azithromycin.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, cystic fibrosis, heart rhythm problems, or problems with your immune system. Tell your doctor if you have had your spleen removed.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing (even after you stop using this medicine)
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain
• Severe diarrhea (watery or bloody)
• Severe vomiting, stomach pain
• Yellow skin or eyes, dark-colored urine or pale stools

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache
• Mild nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite
• White patches in your mouth or throat

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.