To return to the main entry click here.
What is azithromycin injection?
AZITHROMYCIN (Zithromax®) is a macrolide antibiotic that interferes with the growth of bacterial cells. Azithromycin injection is used to treat certain respiratory conditions (e.g., pneumonia) or pelvic infections (e.g., pelvic inflammatory disease). Generic azithromycin injections are not yet available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• pneumonia
• stomach problems (especially colitis)
• other chronic illness
• an unusual or allergic reaction to azithromycin, other macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), foods, dyes, or preservatives
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Azithromycin is for infusion into a vein and is administered by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What drug(s) may interact with azithromycin injection?
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 azithromycin?
Your condition will be monitored closely. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not begin to improve in a few days.
What side effects may I notice from taking azithromycin?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon:
• dark yellow or brown urine
• difficulty breathing
• severe or watery diarrhea
• skin rash, itching
• irregular heartbeat, palpitations, or chest pain
• vomiting
• yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• diarrhea
• dizziness, drowsiness
• hearing loss
• headache
• increased sensitivity to the sun
• nausea
• stomach pain or cramps
• tiredness
• vaginal irritation, itching or discharge
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
You will be instructed on how to store this medicine, if needed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
