Azithromycin ophthalmic (for the eyes) is a macrolide antibiotic that fights bacteria.
Azithromycin ophthalmic is used to treat eye infections caused by bacteria.
Azithromycin ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this
medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking azithromycin ophthalmic?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to azithromycin.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an
unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether azithromycin ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could
harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take azithromycin ophthalmic?
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts
or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
To apply the eye drops:
Turn the bottle upside down and shake it once before each use.
Take the cap off while bottle is still upside down.
Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower
eyelid. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and away from the
dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye.
Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye
(near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct. Do not
use more than 1 drop unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface,
including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in
your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.
Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time.
Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared.
Store the unopened bottle of azithromycin ophthalmic in the refrigerator. Do not
freeze.
After opening the bottle, you may keep the medication at room temperature for up to
14 days. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use, and protect from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of azithromycin ophthalmic?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not
use extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about azithromycin ophthalmic?
Your pharmacist has information about azithromycin ophthalmic written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of azithromycin ophthalmic?
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.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
drainage or crusting of your eye;
severe irritation after using the eye drops;
feeling like there is something in your eye;
watery eyes, increased light sensitivity;
eye redness or swelling; or
any signs of a new infection.
Less serious side effects may include:
stuffy nose; or
mild stinging, burning, or irritation of your eyes.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about azithromycin ophthalmic?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to azithromycin.
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts
or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Serious side effects of azithromycin ophthalmic may include eye drainage or
crusting, severe eye irritation, feeling like there is something in your eye, watery eyes, increased
light sensitivity, eye redness or swelling, any signs of new infection.
Keep using this medication for the full prescribed length of time.
Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared.
Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication
may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes
after using azithromycin ophthalmic before putting your contact lenses in.
You should not wear contact lenses while you still have active symptoms of the eye
infection you are treating.
What should I avoid while taking azithromycin ophthalmic?
Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication
may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes
after using azithromycin ophthalmic before putting your contact lenses in.
You should not wear contact lenses while you still have active symptoms of the eye
infection you are treating.
What other drugs will affect azithromycin ophthalmic?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on
azithromycin ophthalmic. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about
all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and
drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of azithromycin ophthalmic?
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not
warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does
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a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
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given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information
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interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse
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Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009