• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

• chest pain, uneven heartbeats;

• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or stomach pain;

• dizziness, tired feeling, or headache;

• nervous feeling, sleep problems (insomnia);

• vaginal itching or discharge;

• mild itching or skin rash;

• ringing in your ears, problems with hearing; or

• decreased sense of taste or smell.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

What other drugs will affect azithromycin?

Many drugs can interact with azithromycin. Below is just a partial list. Tell your doctor if you are using:

• digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);

• carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol);

• cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune);

• phenytoin (Dilantin);

• pimozide (Orap);

• theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theolair, Theochron);

• warfarin (Coumadin);

• another antibiotic, especially clarithromycin (Biaxin) or erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S, Ery-Tab);

• a calcium channel blocker such as diltiazem (Cartia XT, Diltiazem, Tiazac), felodipine (Plendil), nicardipine (Cardene), nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat), nimodipine (Nimotop), verapamil (Calan, Covera-HS);

• cholesterol-lowering medicines such as lovastatin (Mevacor), atorvastatin (Lipitor), or cerivastatin (Baycol);

• ergot medicine such as methysergide (Sansert), ergotamine (Ergostat, Medihaler, Cafergot, Ercaf, Wigraine), dihydroergotamine mesylate (D.H.E., Migranal Nasal Spray);

• HIV medicines such as indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir), saquinavir (Invirase); or

• a sedative such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), midazolam (Versed), triazolam (Halcion).

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.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about azithromycin.

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.