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 250/500MG TABLETS - ORAL

(azz-ith-row-MY-sin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zithromax

Uses

Azithromycin is an antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections.

How To Use

This medication can be taken with or without food. Avoid taking antacids with this since the absorption of this drug can be affected. Wait at least 2 hours after taking this medication before taking an antacid. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at the same time of the day on each day of treatment. 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 and may result in a relapse of the infection.

Side Effects

This medication may cause stomach upset, loose stools, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps or vaginal irritation. If these symptoms persist or become severe, inform your doctor. If you develop diarrhea while taking this medication, notify your doctor. Do not take any nonprescription medications to treat diarrhea without first consulting your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, clay-colored stools. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. 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 if you have: other illnesses, allergies (especially drug allergies), liver disease, colitis and other stomach problems, kidney disease. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before taking this medication. It is not known if azithromycin appears in breast milk. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Do not take aluminum- and magnesium-containing antacids simultaneously with azithromycin. Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter and prescription medications you take, including: theophylline, warfarin, digoxin, astemizole, terfenadine, nelfinavir, triazolam, certain drugs for high cholesterol (e.g., lovastatin), live vaccines. This drug may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Discuss using other methods of birth control with your doctor. 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

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection or give it to someone else. A different medication may be necessary.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose. Instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the doses.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.