Azithromycin (Zithromax) injection
What is azithromycin injection?
AZITHROMYCIN (Zithromax®) is a macrolide antibiotic that interferes with the growth of bacterial cells. Azithromycin injection is used to treat certain respiratory conditions (e.g., pneumonia) or pelvic infections (e.g., pelvic inflammatory disease). Generic azithromycin injections are not yet available.
What should my health care professional know before I take azithromycin?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
kidney disease
liver disease
pneumonia
stomach problems (especially colitis)
other chronic illness
an unusual or allergic reaction to azithromycin, other macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), foods, dyes, or preservatives
breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Azithromycin is for infusion into a vein and is administered by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.
What drug(s) may interact with azithromycin injection?
astemizole
terfenadine
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking azithromycin?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon:
dark yellow or brown urine
difficulty breathing
severe or watery diarrhea
skin rash, itching
irregular heartbeat, palpitations, or chest pain
vomiting
yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
diarrhea
dizziness, drowsiness
hearing loss
headache
increased sensitivity to the sun
nausea
stomach pain or cramps
tiredness
vaginal irritation, itching or discharge
What should I watch for while taking azithromycin?
Your condition will be monitored closely. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not begin to improve in a few days.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
[ Last Revised: 1/1/2001 ]
NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.
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