Azithromycin is an anti-infective medication which is related to the class of medications known as the Erythromycins. It
is used to prevent or treat Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection. Azithromycin may also be used to treat other
types of bacterial infections such as bacterial pneumonia, toxoplasmosis, and sexually transmitted diseases (ie. chlamydia).
HOW should this drug be taken ?
Depending on the type of infection you have, the dose of azithromycin will vary. For example, when used to prevent MAC
the usual dose of azithromycin is 1250 mg orally taken once weekly. The drug may also be prescribed as 250 mg five days weekly, or 500 mg three times weekly.
When used in combination with other agents for the treatment of MAC, the usual dose is 500 mg daily.
For bacterial pneumonias, the medication is prescribed for 5 days, and for chlamydia, it is administered as a single 1 gm dose.
Azithromyin is available as a 250 mg capsule (red & black). Other formulations include a 250 mg tablet, and a 1 gm
powder sachet for liquid reconstitution. The capsule formulation should be taken on an empty stomach (ie. 1 hour before meals, or 2 hours after) to gain the most from the medication.
What should you do if you FORGET a dose?
If you miss a dose of azithromycin, take it as soon as possible. If you remember your missed dose close to the time for
your next dose, do not double your dose. Continue with your regular dosing schedule.
What ADVERSE EFFECTS can this drug cause ? What should you do about them?
Azithromycin is usually well-tolerated. At the higher doses, it may cause diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. If you
experience any of these side-effects, you may be able to space your doses out and/or take certain medications (ie.
Gravol, Imodium) to treat these symptoms. The tablet formulation, which can be taken with food, may be useful to minimize nausea. Please discuss this with your physician or pharmacist.
Rarely, temporary hearing disruptions (fullness of the ears, decreased hearing, ringing of the ears) have been reported at
the higher doses. Decreased liver function, rash and other allergic reactions have been rarely reported.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU KEEP YOUR DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS, SO THAT YOUR
PROGRESS CAN BE ASSESSED REGULARLY.
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY ADVERSE EFFECTS, PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE TEAM.
What other PRECAUTIONS should you follow while using this drug ?
This medication is usually safe when taken with most other medications. Drugs which may interact include aluminum
and magnesium-containing antacids and drugs [ie. Amphogel, Diovol, Maalox, Videx or didanosine (ddI)]. As a
precaution, it is important that your physician or pharmacist knows about other drugs you are taking, even medications you can buy without a prescription.
If you have a history of liver disease or hepatitis, please notify your physician prior to taking this medication.
If you have a history of allergies to either erythromycin or clarithromycin, please notify your physician prior to taking azithromycin.
How should this medication be STORED?
Azithromycin should be stored in a cool (15-30?C) dry place well out of the reach of children. Do not store in your bathroom. Heat and moisture may cause the medicine to lose effectiveness.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT THIS MEDICATION, PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR NURSE, PHARMACIST, OR PHYSICIAN.
PLEASE WRITE DOWN YOUR QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS TO ENSURE THEY ARE ADDRESSED
