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.

DIRITHROMYCIN-EC TABLET

(dir-ith-row-MY-sin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Dynabac

Uses

This medication is an antibiotic used to treat various infections.

How To Use

Take this medication by mouth as directed, usually once a day for 7 to 10 days. Swallow each tablet whole. Do not crush or chew them. For best results, take each dose at evenly spaced intervals around the clock. This will ensure a constant level of medication in your blood. This is best taken with food or within one hour of eating. Take this medication for the full time prescribed. Do not stop taking this without your doctor's approval. Stopping therapy too soon may result in a reinfection.

Side Effects

Indigestion, nausea, gas, stomach ache, headache, dizziness may occur. Less likely to occur are trouble sleeping or increased cough. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop any of the following effects while using this medication: skin rash, itching, hives, trouble breathing, severe diarrhea, sore throat. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection). If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver disease, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), colitis or other stomach problems, kidney disease, any allergies (especially drug allergies). This drug should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Small amounts of drug do appear in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including: hexobarbital, astemizole, theophylline, antacids, anti-ulcer medication, digoxin, triazolam, "blood thinners", ergotamine, cyclosporine, carbamazepine, alfentanil, disopyramide, phenytoin, valproate, bromocriptine, felodipine (a calcium channel blocker). 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 it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.