- Medicine Overview
- Review
Uses:
Azithromycin extended-release suspension is used to treat certain bacterial infections (including sinusitis pneumonia). 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.
Side Effects:
Stomach upset diarrhea/loose stools nausea vomiting or abdominal pain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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 any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: 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 unusual tiredness persistent nausea/vomiting severe stomach/abdominal pain yellowing eyes/skin dark urine).
Get medical help right away if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: fast/irregular heartbeat severe dizziness fainting.
This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to a resistant bacteria. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid medications if you have any of the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: persistent diarrhea abdominal or stomach pain/cramping blood/mucus in your stool.
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 doesnt 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.
Pre-Cautions:
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 as well. Do not have any immunizations/vaccinations while using this medication unless your doctor tells you to.
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.