Azitrox
(Azithromycin)
Azithromycin is used for:
Treating infections caused by certain bacteria. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic. It slows the growth of, or sometimes kills, sensitive bacteria by reducing the production of important proteins needed by the bacteria to survive.
Do NOT use Azithromycin if:
you are allergic to any ingredient in Azithromycin or to other macrolide antibiotics (eg, erythromycin)
you are taking pimozide
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Azithromycin :
Some medical conditions may interact with Azithromycin . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement.
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances.
if you have liver or kidney problems or abnormal heart rhythms
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Azithromycin . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
Nelfinavir because it may increase the risk of Azithromycin 's side effects
Rifampin because it may decrease Azithromycin 's effectiveness
Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), digoxin, disopyramide, pimozide, or rifampin because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Azithromycin
Theophylline because blood levels may temporarily decrease after stopping Azithromycin
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Azithromycin may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Azithromycin :
Use Azithromycin as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Azithromycin is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using Azithromycin at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Azithromycin . Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.
Do not use Azithromycin if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.
To clear up your infection completely, use Azithromycin for the full course of treatment. Keep using it even if you feel better in a few days.
If you miss a dose of Azithromycin , use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Azithromycin .
Important safety information:
Azithromycin may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use this medicine with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
Azithromycin may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Azithromycin . Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
Contact your doctor right away if stomach pain or cramps, severe diarrhea, or bloody stools occur. Do not treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor.
Long-term or repeated use of Azithromycin may cause a second infection. Tell your doctor if signs of a second infection occur. Your medicine may need to be changed to treat this.
Be sure to use Azithromycin for the full course of treatment. If you do not, the medicine may not clear up your infection completely. The bacteria could also become less sensitive to this or other medicines. This could make the infection harder to treat in the future.
Azithromycin only works against bacteria; it does not treat viral infections (eg, the common cold).
Azithromycin should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 16 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Azithromycin while you are pregnant. It is not known if Azithromycin is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Azithromycin , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Azithromycin :
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Diarrhea; headache; loose stools; nausea; stomach pain; vomiting.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody stools; chest pain; dark red raised areas of the skin; hearing loss; pounding in the chest; ringing in the ears; severe diarrhea; stomach cramps/pain; yellowing of the skin or eyes.
© Copyright 2000-2007 drugs.com. All Rights Reserved.