Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

AZITHROMYCIN - INJECTION

(azz-ith-row-MY-sin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zithromax

Uses

This medication is an antibiotic (macrolide type) used to treat lung infection (pneumonia) or female pelvic infections (e.g., PID) caused by bacteria.

OTHER

Uses

This drug may also be used for other types of bacterial infections.

How To Use

This medication is given by vein (IV), slowly over at least 60 minutes, once a day. You will receive this medication by vein until you are able to take an oral dosage form. Dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Follow all instructions for proper mixing, dilution, and administration. Consult your pharmacist if you are unclear on any instructions for use. Just prior to use, check finished product visually for particles or discoloration. If present, do not use the liquid. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. This is done by using the medication at evenly spaced intervals. Continue this medication until the fully prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, resulting in a relapse of the infection. Notify your doctor if your condition/symptoms do not improve.

Side Effects

Nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain or pain/redness at the injection site may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Unlikely but report promptly: loss of appetite, white patches in mouth, unusual vaginal itching or discharge. Very unlikely but report promptly: fast or irregular heartbeat, seizures, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, changes in amount of urine, ringing in ears, hearing loss, unusual weakness or tiredness. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this medication, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies (especially to macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin or clarithromycin), heart problems, kidney problems, kidney disease, liver disease. This medication contains sodium. Consult your doctor for more information if you are on a salt-restricted diet or if your condition could be worsened with an increase in salt intake (e.g., congestive heart failure). Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., mouth, bladder or vaginal yeast infection). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this drug. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you use, especially of: digoxin, triazolam, pimozide, nelfinavir, theophylline and aminophylline, terfenadine, "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital), certain cholesterol-lowering drugs (e.g., lovastatin), live vaccines. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor for side effects and response to treatment.

Missed Dose

If the dose is missed, contact your doctor immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.

Storage

Store vial at or below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. After mixing and dilution in IV fluids (consult your pharmacist for details), this product is stable at or below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) for 24 hours or for 7 days when stored in the refrigerator at 41 degrees F (5 degrees C). Discard any unused liquid.