• Azithromycin is in a group of drugs called macrolide antibiotics. Azithromycin fights bacteria in the body. Azithromycin is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria, such as respiratory infections, skin infections, worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, tonsillitis, sinus infections, and sexually transmitted diseases. In children, Azithromycin is used to treat middle ear infection, pneumonia, tonsillitis, and strep throat.

How should you take this medication?

• Take Azithromycin capsules on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Azithromycin tablets and oral suspension can be taken with or without food.
   
•  Take each tablet or capsule with a full glass of water.
   
•  When giving the pediatric suspension, shake the bottle thoroughly before each use and measure the dose with the supplied calibrated dropper. Use the pediatric suspension within 10 days and throw out any that remains.
   
• Do not take azithromycin at the same time as taking an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium.
   
• If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

General Precautions with Azithromycin

• Before taking azithromycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin, clarithromycin; or if you have any other allergies.
   
• Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease.
   
• Azithromycin may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Azithromycin
   
• If you have a liver problem, your doctor should monitor you very carefully while you are taking Zithromax.
   
• It is important to use Azithromycin for the full course of treatment. Failure to do so may decrease the effectiveness of this treatment and may increase the risk that the bacteria will no longer sensitive to Azithromycin and will not be able to be treated by this or certain other antibacterial medicines in the future.

What are the possible side effects of Azithromycin?

• Stomach upset, diarrhea/loose stools, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
   
• Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: hearing loss.
   
• Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing of the eyes or skin.
   
• Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.