Dynabac

Generic Name: dirithromycin
Other Brand Names: dirithromycin

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.

Uses Side Effects Precautions Interactions Overdose
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?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a dirithromycin overdose include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.

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. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, 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 not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 2/11/2008