Azithromycin is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It is a macrolide antibiotic. It works by stopping bacteria from growing. This medication will not work for viral infections (like cold, flu). Unnecessary use or misuse of antibiotics can lead to decreased effectiveness.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE: Read the package leaflet, if available from your pharmacist, before you start taking azithromycin and each time you have a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth, as directed by your doctor, usually once a day with or without food. You can take this drug with food if an upset stomach occurs. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, you take this medication at the same time every day. Continue taking this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms resolve after a few days.

Stopping the medication too early can allow bacteria to continue growing, which can lead to a return of the infection. Antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium may decrease the absorption of azithromycin if taken at the same time. If you are taking an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium, wait at least 2 hours before or after taking azithromycin. Let your doctor know if your condition persists or worsens.

Side effects: upset stomach, diarrhea / loose stools, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Remember that your doctor prescribed these drugs because he or she judged that the benefits to you outweigh the risk of side effects. Many people using this drug do not experience serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: hearing changes (e.g. decreased hearing, deafness), eye problems (e.g. drooping eyelids, blurred vision), difficulty speaking / swallowing, muscle weakness, liver signs Problems (such as unusual tiredness, persistent nausea / vomiting, severe stomach / abdominal pain, yellowish eyes / skin, dark urine). Get medical attention immediately if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: fast / irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting. This drug can rarely cause severe intestinal disease (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to resistant bacteria.

This condition can occur during treatment or weeks to months after stopping treatment. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain relievers if you have any of the following symptoms because these products make them worse. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: persistent diarrhea, stomach or stomach pain / cramps, blood / mucus in your stool. Using this drug for long or repeated periods can result in thrush or a new yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you experience white spots in your mouth, changes in vaginal discharge, or any other new symptoms. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you experience any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including: rash, itching / swelling (especially of the face / tongue / throat), severe dizziness, difficulty breathing. An allergic reaction to this drug can return even if you stop the drug. If you have an allergic reaction, continue to watch for any of the above symptoms for several days after your last dose. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice any other effects not listed above, your doctor or pharmacist.