AZITHROMYCIN

Azithromycin is an antibiotics medication, which is very effective to treat specific infections associated by bacteria such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sexually transmitted diseases or infections of the throat, lungs, ears and skin. This medicine is not recommended for flu, colds and other viral infections.

How should Azithromycin be used?

This drug is available in the form of liquid and tablet. Patients should take it with a full glass of water. Take this medicine as directed by the health care providers. If someone is taking this drug in the form of oral suspension, shake the liquid of drug well before taking it. The syringe is also used to measure the right quantity of medication. After the use of syringe, rinse it well with water.

What specific precautions should patient follow?

The following precautions should be followed by the patients before taking this medication:

• Tell the pharmacists and health care providers, what nonprescription and prescription medications, herbal products, vitamins and nutritional supplements patient is taking.

• Be sure about cyclosporine, dihydroergotamine, warfarin, ergotamine and digoxin and other medications such as pheytoin, terfenadine and nelfinavir.

• Tell the health care provider immediately, if someone has human immunodeficiency virus, liver or kidney disease, cystic fibrosis or irregular heartbeat.

• Tell the doctor if someone is planning to become pregnant, breast-feeding or pregnant. Call the doctor immediately, if someone becomes pregnant during taking this medication.

What are the possible side effects of this medication?

• Stomach upset
• Vomiting
• Mild skin rash
• Diarrhea
• Stomach ache

Other serious side effects include:

• Difficulty in breathing
• Hoarseness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Swelling of the throat, lips, hands, legs and face
• Itching and hives