Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
ophthalmic solution
- 1% (2.5mL)
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Apply 1 gtt to affected eye(s) twice daily (8-12 hours apart) for 2 days; THEN apply 1 gtt qDay for 5 days
Dosage Forms & Strengths
ophthalmic solution
- 1% (2.5mL)
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
<1 years
- Safety & efficacy not established
>1 years
- Apply 1 gtt to affected eye(s) twice daily (8-12 hours apart) for 2 days; THEN apply 1 gtt qDay for 5 days
Adverse Effects
1-10%
Eye irritation (1-2%)
<1%
Anaphylaxis
Contact dermatitis
Corneal erosion
Dry eye
Rash
Urticaria
Dygeusia
Nasal congestion
Ocular discharge
Punctate keratitis
Sinusitis
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Cautions
Known hypersensitivity to azithromycin or erythromycin
Serious allergic reactions, including angioedema, anaphylaxis, and dermatologic reactions including Stevens Johnson Syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis have been reported; although rare, fatalities have been reported
If superinfection occurs or if clinical improvement not noted within 7 days, discontinue use and institute appropriate therapy; whenever clinical judgment dictates, the patient should be examined with the aid of magnification, such as slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and where appropriate, fluorescein staining
Therapy may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms including fungi
Avoid contact lens wear during therapy of S/S of bacterial conjunctivitis
Do not administer systemically; inject SC; or apply directly into anterior eye chamber
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy
No clinical studies conducted in pregnant women; therapy should not be administered during pregnancy unless expected benefit to mother outweighs potential risk to fetus
Animal data
- Studies conducted with azithromycin in rats and mice at a dose of 200 mg/kg/d were associated with moderate maternal toxicity; this dose is estimated to be approximately 5000 times maximum (2 mg) human ocular daily dose
Lactation
The safety in breastfed infants of mothers who received therapy has not been established; following systemic administration, it is unknown whether azithromycin is excreted in human milk; because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when azithromycin is administered to a nursing woman
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Inhibits protein synthesis in susceptible organisms by binding to 50S ribosomal subunits, thereby inhibiting translocation of aminoacyl transfer-RNA & inhibiting polypeptide synthesis
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Negligible
Images
| BRAND | FORM. | UNIT PRICE | PILL IMAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zithromax oral - | 1 gram miscellaneous |  | |
| Zithromax oral - | 200 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| Zithromax oral - | 200 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| Zithromax oral - | 100 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| Zithromax oral - | 500 mg tablet |  | |
| Zithromax oral - | 250 mg tablet |  | |
| Zithromax oral - | 200 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| Zithromax oral - | 250 mg tablet |  | |
| Zithromax TRI-PAK oral - | 500 mg tablet | | |
| Zithromax Z-Pak oral - | 250 mg tablet | | |
| azithromycin intravenous - | 500 mg vial |  | |
| azithromycin intravenous - | 500 mg vial |  | |
| azithromycin intravenous - | 500 mg vial |  | |
| azithromycin intravenous - | 500 mg vial |  | |
| azithromycin intravenous - | 500 mg vial |  | |
| azithromycin intravenous - | 500 mg vial |  | |
| azithromycin intravenous - | 500 mg vial |  | |
| azithromycin intravenous - | 500 mg vial |  | |
| azithromycin intravenous - | 500 mg vial |  | |
| azithromycin intravenous - | 500 mg vial |  | |
| azithromycin intravenous - | 500 mg vial |  | |
| azithromycin intravenous - | 500 mg vial |  | |
| Zithromax intravenous - | 500 mg vial |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 250 mg tablet |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 500 mg tablet |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 250 mg tablet |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 250 mg tablet |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 500 mg tablet |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 500 mg tablet |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 250 mg tablet |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 200 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 200 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 200 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 100 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 500 mg tablet |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 250 mg tablet |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 250 mg tablet |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 500 mg tablet |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 600 mg tablet |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 250 mg tablet |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 600 mg tablet |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 600 mg tablet |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 250 mg tablet |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 500 mg tablet |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 500 mg tablet |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 100 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 200 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 200 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 200 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 250 mg tablet | | |
| azithromycin oral - | 600 mg tablet |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 600 mg tablet |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 500 mg tablet |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 200 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 200 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 500 mg tablet |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 250 mg tablet |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 250 mg tablet |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 100 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 500 mg tablet |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 600 mg tablet |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 500 mg tablet |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 250 mg tablet |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 250 mg tablet |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 1 gram miscellaneous |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 1 gram miscellaneous |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 200 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 500 mg tablet |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 250 mg tablet |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 200 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 200 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 500 mg tablet |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 200 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 200 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 200 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 100 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 250 mg tablet |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 250 mg tablet |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 600 mg tablet |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 200 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| azithromycin oral - | 100 mg/5 mL suspension |  | |
| AzaSite ophthalmic (eye) - | 1 % drops |  |
Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
Patient Handout
azithromycin oral
AZITHROMYCIN 250/500 MG - ORAL
(ay-ZITH-roe-MYE-sin)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zithromax
USES: Azithromycin is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It is a macrolide-type antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.This medication will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.
HOW TO USE: 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, ask your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, 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.Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium may decrease the absorption of azithromycin if taken at the same time. If you take an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium, wait at least 2 hours before or after taking azithromycin.Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.
SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset, diarrhea/loose stools, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: hearing changes (such as decreased hearing, deafness), eye problems (such as drooping eyelids, blurred vision), difficulty speaking/swallowing, muscle weakness, signs of liver problems (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, unusual tiredness, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine).Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: fast/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting.This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: diarrhea that doesn't stop, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool.If you have these symptoms, do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid products because they may make symptoms worse.Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: fever that doesn't go away, new or worsening lymph node swelling, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.An allergic reaction to this medication may return even if you stop the drug. If you have an allergic reaction, continue to watch for any of the above symptoms for several days after your last dose.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: 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, a certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis).Azithromycin may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/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 well. Tell your health care professional that you are using azithromycin before having any immunizations/vaccinations.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).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.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also How to Use section.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, chloroquine, disopyramide, dofetilide, dronedarone, hydroxychloroquine, ibutilide, pimozide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, among others.
OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, 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.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised April 2022. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Formulary
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To view formulary information first create a list of plans. Your list will be saved and can be edited at any time.
Adding plans allows you to:
- View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
- Manage and view all your plans together – even plans in different states.
- Compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
- Access your plan list on any device – mobile or desktop.
