Dirithromycin tablets

What are dirithromycin tablets?

DIRITHROMYCIN (Dynabac®) is a macrolide antibiotic. Dirithromycin kills certain bacteria, or stops their growth. It treats respiratory (nose, throat, lung), and skin infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections. Generic dirithromycin tablets are not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I take dirithromycin?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• liver disease

• stomach problems (especially colitis)

• other chronic illness

• an unusual or allergic reaction to dirithromycin or other macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take dirithromycin tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets whole; do not break, crush, or chew. Take the tablets with a full glass of water. Take dirithromycin with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

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. There should be an interval of at least 6 hours between doses.

What drug(s) may interact with dirithromycin?

• antacids

• digoxin

• cimetidine, nizatidine, famotidine or ranitidine

• oral contraceptives (birth control pills)

• pimozide

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking dirithromycin?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 2 to 3 days.

If you get severe or bloody diarrhea, do not treat yourself. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking dirithromycin.

What side effects may I notice from taking dirithromycin?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• difficulty breathing

• fever

• severe or bloody diarrhea

• skin rash, hives, or itching

• swelling of the face, throat, or lips

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• headache

• nausea, vomiting

• stomach pains or cramps

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.