About Azithromycin-
Brand Name- Zithrox, Azee
Generic Name- Azithromycin
Azithromycin is an antibiotic.
Azithromycin is widely used to treat chest infections such as pneumonia, skin infections, Lyme disease ,infections of the nose and throat such as sinus infection (sinusitis) and some sexually transmitted infections.
Azithromycin is also used in children often to treat ear infections or chest infections.
It can also be used long term to prevent chest infections in people who keep getting them.
The medicine is available on prescription as capsules and tablets and a liquid that you drink. It can also be given by injection but this is usually only done in hospital.
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Use And Function-
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking azithromycin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions then ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor or pharmacist usually once daily with or without food. You may take this medication with food if stomach upset occurs. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
For the best effect- take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember take this medication at the same time(s) every day.
Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a return of the infection.
If you take an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium, wait at least 2 hours before or after taking azithromycin. Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium may decrease the absorption of azithromycin if taken at the same time.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Precautions For Use Of Azithromycin-
Before taking azithromycin tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or to other antibiotics (such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, telithromycin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of liver disease, kidney disease etc.
Azithromycin may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast or irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away.
The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation
Before using azithromycin tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).
Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using azithromycin safely.
Azithromycin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work as well. Do not have any immunizations or vaccinations while using this medication unless your doctor tells you to.
Before having surgery tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) etc.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially QT prolongation (see above).
During pregnancy- this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast feeding.
Side Effects Of Azithromycin-
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to azithromycin (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).
Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body.
Symptoms may include: skin rash,swollen glands, flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, severe weakness, fever, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes. This reaction may occur several weeks after you began using azithromycin.
Call your doctor at once if you have-
- Severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody,
- Fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out); or
- Liver problems - nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
- Call your doctor right away if a baby taking azithromycin becomes irritable or vomits while eating or nursing.
- Older adults may be more likely to have side effects on heart rhythm, including a life-threatening fast heart rate.
- Common azithromycin side effects may include:
- diarrhea;
- nausea, vomiting, stomach pain; or
- headache.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interactions With Azithromycin-
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions.
Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Many drugs besides azithromycin may affect the heart rhythm (QT prolongation), including amiodarone,ibutilide, pimozide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, chloroquine, disopyramide, dofetilide, dronedarone, hydroxychloroquine, among others.
Overdose-
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Or call your emergency health number.
Missed Dose-
If you miss a dose then take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
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