Azithromycin oral suspension (immediate release)
Azithromycin oral suspension (immediate release)
What is this medicine?
AZITHROMYCIN (az ith roe MYE sin) is a macrolide antibiotic. It is used to treat or prevent certain kinds of bacterial infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label.
For the suspension already mixed by the pharmacist: Shake well before using. This medicine can be taken with food or on an empty stomach. If the medicine upsets your stomach, take it with food. Use a specially marked spoon, or container to measure the dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. 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 that you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.
For the 1 gram single dose packet: This medicine can be taken with food or on an empty stomach. Empty the contents of a single dose packet into two ounces of water (about one quarter of a full glass). Mix and drink all the mixture at once. Add another two ounces of water to the glass, mix well and drink all of it, to make sure you take the full dose.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for infants as young as 6 months for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
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
bloody or watery diarrhea
breathing problems
chest pain
fast, irregular heartbeat
muscle weakness
rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes
redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
signs and symptoms of liver injury like dark yellow or brown urine; general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms; light-colored stools; loss of appetite; nausea; right upper belly pain; unusually weak or tired; yellowing of the eyes or skin
white patches or sores in the mouth
unusually weak or tired
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
diarrhea
nausea
stomach pain
vomiting
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
cisapride
dronedarone
pimozide
thioridazine
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium
birth control pills
colchicine
cyclosporine
digoxin
ergot alkaloids like dihydroergotamine, ergotamine
nelfinavir
other medicines that prolong the QT interval (an abnormal heart rhythm)
phenytoin
warfarin
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store between 5 and 30 degrees C (41 and 86 degrees F) for up to 10 days. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
history of blood diseases, like leukemia
history of irregular heartbeat
kidney disease
liver disease
myasthenia gravis
an unusual or allergic reaction to azithromycin, erythromycin, other macrolide antibiotics, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or healthcare provider if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
This medicine may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medicine. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.
Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.
Contact your doctor if vomiting and fussiness with feeding occurs in a treated infant.
This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
Updated:  
March 29, 2020