AZITHROMYCIN - INTRAVENOUS

AZITHROMYCIN - INTRAVENOUS

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (ay-ZITH-roe-MYE-sin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zithromax

GENERIC NAME(S): azithromycin

Uses

USES: This medication is an antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections. This medication is known as a macrolide (erythromycin-type) antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This medication is used to treat lung infections (pneumonia) or female pelvic infections (e.g., PID) caused by bacteria.


How to use AZITHROMYCIN - INTRAVENOUS

HOW TO USE: This medication is usually given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. It should be injected slowly over 1 hour. If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely. You should use this injectable medication only until you are able to take an antibiotic by mouth or until your treatment is finished. Dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to therapy. For the best effect, use this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, use this medication at the same time(s) every day. Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a return of the infection. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea/loose stools, stomach pain, or pain/redness at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: hearing changes (e.g., ringing in the ears, hearing loss), swelling legs/feet, eye problems (e.g., drooping eyelids, blurred vision), slurred speech, muscle weakness, persistent nausea/vomiting, severe abdominal/stomach pain, unusual weakness/tiredness, dark urine, yellowing skin/eyes. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches/sores in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms. Get medical help right away if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: severe dizziness, fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat. This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to a type of resistant bacteria. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid medications if you have any of the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: fever that doesn't go away, new or worsening lymph node swelling, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. An allergic reaction to this medication may return even if you stop the drug. If you have an allergic reaction, continue to watch for any of the above symptoms for several days after your last dose. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before using azithromycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to any other macrolide/ketolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, a certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis). Azithromycin may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away. The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using azithromycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death). Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using azithromycin safely. This medication contains sodium. Consult your doctor for more information if you are on a salt-restricted diet or if increased salt intake could worsen your condition (e.g., congestive heart failure). Azithromycin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work as well. Do not have any immunizations/vaccinations while using this medication unless your doctor tells you to. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially swelling legs/feet (due to sodium and water retention) and QT prolongation (see above). Babies (especially younger than 6 weeks) may be at higher risk for a certain serious stomach problem. Contact your child's doctor right away if your child vomits or becomes irritable with feeding. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: lovastatin. Although most antibiotics are unlikely to affect hormonal birth control such as pills, patch, or ring, a few antibiotics (such as rifampin, rifabutin) can decrease their effectiveness. This could result in pregnancy. If you use hormonal birth control, ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Many drugs besides azithromycin may affect the heart rhythm (QT prolongation), including amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, dronedarone, ibutilide, pimozide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, among others.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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Faq for AZITHROMYCIN - INTRAVENOUS

Azithromycin - Intravenous is an antibiotic medication used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and sexually transmitted diseases.

Azithromycin - Intravenous works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, preventing them from multiplying and spreading throughout the body. It belongs to a class of antibiotics called macrolides.

The recommended dosage of Azithromycin - Intravenous varies depending on the type and severity of the infection. It is typically administered as a single 500 mg infusion over 1-2 hours, once daily for 2-5 days.

Common side effects of Azithromycin - Intravenous may include diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and headache. It may also cause changes in liver function tests or allergic reactions in some individuals.

It is recommended to avoid using Azithromycin - Intravenous during pregnancy unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks. It may be excreted in breast milk, so caution is advised while breastfeeding.

It is generally recommended to avoid consuming alcohol while taking Azithromycin - Intravenous. Alcohol may increase the risk of certain side effects such as liver problems or enhanced drowsiness.

Azithromycin - Intravenous may interact with certain medications, including antacids, blood thinners, and medications used to treat heart rhythm disorders. It's essential to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking.

The effectiveness of Azithromycin - Intravenous varies depending on the type and severity of the infection. It may start working within a few days, but it is crucial to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

No, Azithromycin - Intravenous is a prescription medication and cannot be purchased over the counter. It requires a prescription from a healthcare professional.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.