Azithromycin for infusion

March 29, 2020

Azithromycin for infusion

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?

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.

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

  • headache

  • nausea

  • pain, redness, or irritation at site where injected

  • stomach pain or upset

  • 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:

  • 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?

This does not apply.

Where should I keep my medicine?

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.

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