Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Azithromycin
Other Names: Zithromax Injection
Drug Class: Macrolides
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: Yes
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Azithromycin Injection? (Back to top)
AZITHROMYCIN is a macrolide antibiotic. It stops the growth of some bacteria. This medicine is used to treat many kinds of infections, like respiratory infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral 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 providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• kidney disease
• liver disease
• irregular heartbeat or heart disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to azithromycin, erythromycin, other macrolide antibiotics, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic or may be given during home health care. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

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? (Back to top)
This does not apply.

What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• lincomycin

• amiodarone
• cyclosporine
• digoxin
• dihydroergotamine or ergotamine
• nelfinavir
• phenytoin
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers 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 side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
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
• anxious, hyperactive, nervous
• dark urine
• difficulty breathing
• hearing loss
• irregular heartbeat or chest pain
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• white patches or sores in the mouth
• yellowing of eyes, skin

• diarrhea
• dizziness, drowsiness
• headache
• loss of appetite, bad taste
• pain, swelling at the site of injection
• stomach upset, vomiting
• vaginal irritation

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Your condition will be monitored closely. Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve.

Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children.

This drug is usually given in a hospital or clinic and will usually not be stored at home. You will be instructed on how to store this medicine, if needed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.

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.

Last Updated:April 18, 2006

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