Generic Name: azithromycin

What is the most important information I should know about azithromycin?

Do not use azithromycin if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medicine or similar drugs such as erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, E.E.S.), clarithromycin (Biaxin), or other macrolide antibiotics.

There are many other medicines that can interact with azithromycin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Azithromycin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Take azithromycin on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Do not take azithromycin at the same time as taking an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium. This includes Rolaids, Maalox, Mylanta, Milk of Magnesia, Pepcid Complete, and others. These antacids can make azithromycin less effective when taken at the same time.

What is azithromycin?

Azithromycin is in a group of drugs called macrolide antibiotics. Azithromycin fights bacteria in the body.

Azithromycin is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria, such as respiratory infections, skin infections, ear infections, and sexually transmitted diseases.

Azithromycin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking azithromycin?

Do not use azithromycin if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medicine or similar drugs such as erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, E.E.S.), clarithromycin (Biaxin), or other macrolide antibiotics.

Before taking azithromycin, tell your doctor if you have:

• liver disease;

• kidney disease;

• a heart rhythm disorder; or

• a history of Long QT syndrome.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use azithromycin, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether azithromycin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.