Azithromycin Ophthalmic drops, solution

What is this medicine?

AZITHROMYCIN (az ith roe MYE sin) is a macrolide antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial eye infections.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• wear contact lenses
• an unusual or allergic reaction to azithromycin, erythromycin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is only for use in the eye. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to any surface, including your eye. Tilt your head back slightly and pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger to form a pouch. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Close the eye gently to spread the drops. Your vision may blur for a few minutes. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course that is prescribed even if you think your condition is better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 1 year old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other eye products without telling your prescriber or health care professional.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Do not wear contact lenses while you have an eye infection. Ask your doctor or health care professional when you can start wearing your contacts again.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• changes in vision
• eye irritation, pain

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• bad taste in mouth
• burning, stinging, irritation when drops used
• congested nose
• dry eyes
• teary eyes

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store the unopened bottle in the refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). Once opened for use, store between 2 and 25 degrees C (36 and 77 degrees F) for up to 14 days. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date or 14 days after opening the bottle, whichever comes first.

NOTE:This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.