azithromycin powder packet – oral, Zithromax
USES: Azithromycin is an antibiotic (macrolide-type). This single-dose form is used to treat certain infections, including genital infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This medication will not work for viral infections (such as the common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to decreased effectiveness. This form of azithromycin is not intended for use by children.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, with or without food. Taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset. Mix one packet in 2 ounces (60 milliliters) of water and drink immediately. Add another 2 ounces of water, mix, and drink the entire amount. Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium may decrease the absorption of azithromycin if taken at the same time. If you take an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium, wait at least 2 hours before or after taking azithromycin. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset, diarrhea/loose stools, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: hearing changes (such as decreased hearing, deafness), eye problems (such as drooping eyelids, blurred vision), difficulty speaking/swallowing, muscle weakness, signs of liver problems (such as unusual tiredness, persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine). Get medical help right away if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: fast/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting. This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to a resistant bacteria. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have any of the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. An allergic reaction to this medication may return even if you stop the drug. If you have an allergic reaction, continue to watch for any of the above symptoms for several days after your last dose. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking azithromycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or other antibiotics, or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, myasthenia gravis (a certain muscle disease). Azithromycin may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). Talk to your doctor about using azithromycin safely. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially QT prolongation. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. Keep a list of all the products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Some products that may interact with this drug include live bacterial vaccines. Although most antibiotics probably do not affect hormonal birth control, some antibiotics may decrease their effectiveness. Be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist if you should use additional reliable birth control methods while using this antibiotic. Many drugs besides azithromycin may affect the heart rhythm, including amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, dronedarone, ibutilide, pimozide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, and others.
QUESTION
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. MISSED DOSE: Not applicable. STORAGE: Store in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company. Information last revised March 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. It is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate, or effective. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
