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

Take all of the dirithromycin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated. Take dirithromycin with food or within 1 hour of eating to increase the absorption of the drug by your body. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole.

What is dirithromycin?

Dirithromycin is in a class of drugs called macrolide antibiotics. Dirithromycin fights bacteria in your body.

Dirithromycin is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, tonsillitis, and skin infections.

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

Who should not take dirithromycin?

Before taking dirithromycin, tell your doctor if you have liver disease. You may not be able to take dirithromycin, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during therapy.

Dirithromycin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether dirithromycin will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether dirithromycin passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Dirithromycin has not been approved for use in children younger than 12 years of age.

How should I take dirithromycin?

Take dirithromycin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Take dirithromycin with food or milk to increase the absorption of the drug into your body. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole. Take all of the dirithromycin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated. Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a dirithromycin overdose include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.

What should I avoid while taking dirithromycin?

Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Dirithromycin may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.

What are the possible side effects of dirithromycin?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking dirithromycin and seek emergency medical attention:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or

• liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take dirithromycin and talk to your doctor if you experience

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain;

• dizziness, fatigue, or headache;

• vaginal yeast infection; or

• a rash.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.