What is dirithromycin?
Dirithromycin is in a class of drugs called macrolide antibiotics. Dirithromycin fights
bacteria in your body.
Dirithromycin is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections, such as
bronchitis, pneumonia, tonsillitis, and skin infections.
Dirithromycin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication
guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking dirithromycin?
Before taking dirithromycin, tell your doctor if you have liver disease. You may not be
able to take dirithromycin, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during therapy.
Dirithromycin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known
whether dirithromycin will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first
talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether dirithromycin passes into breast milk. Do not take this
medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Dirithromycin has not been approved for use in children younger than 12 years of
age.
How should I take dirithromycin?
Take dirithromycin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these
instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
Take dirithromycin with food or milk to increase the absorption of the drug into your
body.
Do not break, crush, or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole.
Take all of the dirithromycin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to
feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of dirithromycin?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your
next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not
take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Where can I get more information about dirithromycin?
Your pharmacist has information about dirithromycin written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of dirithromycin?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking dirithromycin
and seek emergency medical attention:
-
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or
-
liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea,
abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue
to take dirithromycin and talk to your doctor if you experience
-
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain;
-
dizziness, fatigue, or headache;
-
vaginal yeast infection; or
-
a rash.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What is the most important information I should know about dirithromycin?
Take all of the dirithromycin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to
feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
Take dirithromycin with food or within 1 hour of eating to increase the absorption of
the drug by your body.
Do not break, crush, or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole.
What should I avoid while taking dirithromycin?
Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Dirithromycin may increase the sensitivity of
your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is
unavoidable.
What other drugs will affect dirithromycin?
Other drugs in the same class as dirithromycin have caused dangerous side effects when
taken with terfenadine (Seldane). Although dirithromycin has not caused the same reaction, it
should be used cautiously if at all while you are taking terfenadine (Seldane).
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following
drugs:
-
seizure medications such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenytoin
(Dilantin), and valproic acid (Depakote, Depakene) may or may not be affected. Since these
drugs are so important, your doctor may want to perform some special blood-monitoring tests.
-
anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin
(Coumadin). These medications may have an increased effect, which could lead to bleeding.
Your doctor may want to monitor your blood clotting.
-
heart medications for irregular heartbeats, such as digoxin
(Lanoxin). These drugs may also have an increased effect. Your doctor may want to monitor your
blood levels more closely.
-
other antibiotics. Do not use other antibiotics unless they
are prescribed by your doctor.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with
dirithromycin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or
over-the-counter medicines.
What happens if I have an overdose of dirithromycin?