Azithromycin Oral Suspension Powder

Generic Name(s): Azithromycin

Why it's used

Azithromycin Oral Suspension Powder is a prescription medicine that is used to treat severe cases of thickened mucus caused by bacterial infections. This medicine helps by killing the bacteria. Azithromycin Oral Suspension Powder is also used to treat severe cases of nasal congestion caused by sinusitis, to treat certain cases of pneumonia, to treat inflammation of the throat caused by bacterial infections, to treat certain bacterial skin infections, to treat inflammation of the urethra caused by bacterial infections, to treat inflammation of the cervix, to treat certain genital diseases in men, and to treat middle ear infections in children.

When not to use

Azithromycin Oral Suspension Powder cannot be used to treat viral infections such as the common cold or flu. Azithromycin Oral Suspension should also not be used to treat all bacterial infections as this may lead to the development of drug-resistant bacteria. It should only be used for the treatment of bacterial infections where it is effective. Azithromycin Oral Suspension should not be used to treat elderly patients, patients that require hospitalization, or patients who have severe health problems such as immunodeficiency.

Macrolide Antibacterial

Azithromycin Oral Suspension belongs to the Macrolide Antibacterial class of medicines. Macrolide antibacterials are a class of antibiotics that are used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections. They are commonly used to treat mild-to-moderate bacterial infections.

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How to use

Read the directions on the product label, patient guide, or medicine guide provided by the medicine company or your pharmacist before starting to use Azithromycin Oral Suspension Powder. If you have any questions related to this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Use this medicine as recommended by your doctor.

Azithromycin Oral Suspension Powder is used with or without food.

Typical Dosage

The typical dose of Azithromycin Oral Suspension is 500 mg once daily for 3 days. The usual dose for children is 10 mg per kg of body weight once daily for 3 days. This medicine is typically used for a period of 5 days for pneumonia, 5 days for throat infections, 3 days for middle ear infections, and 3 days for severe nasal congestion.

This medicine should be used on an as-needed basis. You should continue to use this medicine as directed by the doctor even if you feel well.

If using the liquid form of this medicine, measure the dose using the provided measuring cup, spoon, or dropper. Before pouring the medicine into the measuring device, you should check the measurement markings carefully. Then, pour the dose amount into the device. After use, clean and store the measuring device in a safe place for your next use. You should not use a tablespoon or teaspoon as the dose measuring devices since it can result in an incorrect dose. If indicated on the product package, shake the medicine before use.

Talk to Your Doctor

Talk to your doctor if you develop new symptoms.

Older patients may see an increase in the incidence of side-effects with this medicine. As a result, a lower dose may be recommended for older patients.

The effectiveness of this medicine may reduce if it is used for long periods of time.

Use in Children

If you are giving Azithromycin Oral Suspension Powder to a child, be sure to use a product that is meant for children. Before giving this medicine to a child, use the child's weight or age to find the right dose from the product package. You can also read the dosage section of this page to know the correct dose for your child. Else, consult with your doctor and follow their recommendation.

Lab Tests

Your doctor may request that specific lab tests be performed before you start using Azithromycin Oral Suspension Powder. You may need to have Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) | Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) | Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody Absorption (FTA-ABS) | Treponema Pallidum Microhemagglutination Assay (TP-MHA) | Gonorrhea Testing test. To confirm the infection, tests for syphilis and gonorrhea are needed before using this medicine in the treatment of urethritis or cervicitis.

Storage

You should store Azithromycin Oral Suspension Powder between 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F), away from moisture, and away from light. Store the medicine away from the reach of children and pets.

Medicines may be prescribed for uses other than those listed in the medicine guide. Do not use Azithromycin Oral Suspension Powder for conditions for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Azithromycin Oral Suspension Powder to other people who might have the same conditions or symptoms that you have. Self-medication may harm them.

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How to take Azithromycin Oral Suspension

Your dose and how often you take Azithromycin Oral Suspension will depend on the following factors:

age
weight
patient's health
the health of the patient's liver
medicines recommended by the doctor
any other medicines being used
herbal supplements in use

Azithromycin Oral Suspension Dosage

Dosage for pneumonia

Adult

Recommended: On the first day 500 mg as a single dose. 250 mg once a day from the 2nd to 5th day.

Children

Recommended: On the first day a single dose of 10 mg per kg of body weight / 4.5 mg per lb of body weight. Followed by 5 mg per kg of body weight / 2.25 mg per lb of weight once a day from the 2nd to the 5th day.

Dosage for pharyngitis/tonsillitis

Adult

Recommended: On the first day 500 mg as a single dose. 250 mg once a day from the 2nd to 5th day.

Children (children 2 years old and above)

Recommended: 12 mg/kg (5.44 mg/lb) once daily for 5 days

Children (8 kg / 18 lb)

Maximum: 500 mg total over 5 days

Children (17 kg / 37 lb)

Maximum: 1000 mg total over 5 days

Children (25 kg / 55 lb)

Maximum: 1500 mg total over 5 days

Children (33 kg / 73 lb)

Maximum: 2000 mg total over 5 days

Children (40 kg / 88 lb)

Maximum: 2500 mg total over 5 days

Dosage for skin infection

Adult

Recommended: On the first day 500 mg as a single dose followed by 250 mg once a day from 2nd to 5th day

Dosage for long-term obstructive pulmonary disease

Adult

Recommended: 500 mg once daily for 3 days or 500 mg on the first day as a single dose followed by 250 mg once a day from 2nd to 5th day

Dosage for acute bacterial sinusitis

Adult

Recommended: 500 mg once daily for 3 days

Children

Recommended: 10 mg per kg of body weight (4.54 mg per lb of body weight) once daily for 3 days

Dosage for genital ulcer disease (chancroid)

Adult

Recommended: 1000 mg as a single dose

Dosage for non-gonococcal urethritis and cervicitis

Adult

Recommended: 1000 mg as a single dose

Dosage for gonococcal urethritis and cervicitis

Adult

Recommended: 2000 mg as a single dose

Dosage for acute otitis media

Children (5 kg / 11 lb)

Recommended: 30 mg/kg (13.61 mg/lb) as a single dose or 10 mg/kg (4.54 mg/lb) once daily for 3 days or 10 mg/kg (4.54 mg/lb) as a single dose on Day 1 followed by 5 mg/kg/day (2.26 mg/lb/day) on Day 2 to 5
Maximum: 150 mg total over 3 or 5 days

Children (10 kg / 22 lb)

Maximum: 300 mg total over 3 or 5 days

Children (20 kg / 44 lb)

Maximum: 600 mg total over 3 or 5 days

Children (30 kg / 66 lb)

Maximum: 900 mg total over 3 or 5 days

Children (40 kg / 88 lb)

Maximum: 1200 mg total over 3 or 5 days

Children (50 kg and above (110 lb and above))

Maximum: 1500 mg total over 3 or 5 days

Dosage for otitis media with community-acquired pneumonia

Children (5 kg (11 lb))

Maximum: 150 mg for five days

Children (10 kg (22 lb))

Maximum: 300 mg for five days

Children (20 kg (44 lb))

Maximum: 600 mg for five days

Children (30 kg (66 lb))

Maximum: 900 mg for five days

Children (40 kg (88 lb))

Maximum: 1200 mg for five days

Children (50 kg and above (110 lb and above))

Maximum: 1500 mg for five days

Dosage for otitis media with bacterial sinusitis

Children (5 kg / 11 lb)

Maximum: 150 mg total over three days

Children (10 kg / 22 lb)

Maximum: 300 mg total over three days

Children (20 kg / 44 lb)

Maximum: 600 mg total over three days

Children (30 kg / 66 lb)

Maximum: 900 mg total over three days

Children (40 kg / 88 lb)

Maximum: 1200 mg total over three days

Children (50 kg and above (110 lb and above))

Maximum: 1500 mg total over three days

Minimum Age

6 months old for the treatment of ear infections, sinus infections, and pneumonia. 2 years old for infected throat or tonsils.

Dosage calculation for children

To calculate the dosage for children please use the weight based dose calculator to calculate the appropriate dosage as per the weight of your child.

Forms

Film-coated tablets

Strength: 250 mg, 500 mg

Oral suspension

Strength: 100 mg/5 mL and 200 mg/5 mL

Injection

Strength: 500 mg and 2500 mg

Capsule

Strength: 250 mg

Special Instructions

Oral suspension

Take this medicine with or without food.

Oral formulations (capsules and granules)

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if the time for the next dose is almost there, then skip the missed dose and follow the regular dosing schedule. Avoid taking a repeated dose to make up for a missed one.

Overdose

What to do if you overdose on Azithromycin Oral Suspension?

No specific antidote for an overdose of Azithromycin Oral Suspension is available. The treatment depends on its symptoms.

Symptoms of an overdose of Azithromycin Oral Suspension

If you use too much of this medicine, it could lead to dangerous levels of the medicine in your body. In such cases, symptoms of an overdose may include:

diarrhea
nausea
vomiting

If you think you have overdosed on Azithromycin Oral Suspension Powder, call a poison control center immediately. You can look up the poison control center information from the Poison Center Finder at TabletWise.com.

Precautions while using Azithromycin Oral Suspension

Before you use Azithromycin Oral Suspension, tell your doctor of your medical and health history including the following:

cholestatic jaundice
cystic fibrosis
kidney problem
known or suspected bacterial infection in the blood
liver dysfunction
liver problem
lungs infection caused by pneumonia
muscle weakness
palpitation

Before you use Azithromycin Oral Suspension Powder, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it or its ingredients. Your doctor may prescribe an alternative medicine and update your medical records to record this information. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to macrolides, ketolides, or erythromycin.

Before having any surgery when using Azithromycin Oral Suspension, tell your doctor and dentist about all the medicinal products you use including prescription and non-prescription medicines, and any herbal supplements.

The use of this medicine may change prothrombin time. This medicine may increase the time of blood clotting in the anticoagulants such as warfarin.

Use in Pregnancy

Azithromycin Oral Suspension Powder should be used in pregnancy only when required. Adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women are not done.

Use while Breastfeeding

Azithromycin Oral Suspension is not safe for use in women who are breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding, discuss with your doctor if you should either discontinue breastfeeding or stop using this medicine while breastfeeding. This medicine passes into the breast milk which may cause harm to the baby. Hence breastfeeding should be discontinued during treatment with Azithromycin Oral Suspension. Discard breast-milk during treatment and up until 2 days after completion of treatment. Resume breastfeeding after that.

Impact on Fertility

It is not known if this medicine is safe for use in women who are conceiving. Consult with your doctor before you use Azithromycin Oral Suspension Powder.

Dizziness

Azithromycin Oral Suspension Powder can make you feel sleepy. Be careful while driving, using machinery, or doing any other activity that needs you to be alert. The consumption of alcohol with Azithromycin Oral Suspension Powder can make you feel more sleepy.

Increased Risk

This medicine may increase your sensitivity to sunlight. If this happens, limit your time outdoors and prevent sunburns. Cover your skin or use a sunscreen.

Side-effects in Older Patients

Azithromycin Oral Suspension Powder may increase side-effects in older patients. Elderly patients may see an increased risk of arrhythmia.

Long Term Use

The effectiveness of this medicine may decrease and the bacteria may become resistant to it if it is taken for a long time.

What precautions should be taken during Pregnancy and Nursing, and administering Azithromycin Oral Suspension to Children or the Older Adults?

Pregnant Women

Only When Necessary

Warning: No adequate and well-controlled study is available on the use of this medicine in women.

Breastfeeding

Contraindication

Warning: This medicine passes into the breast milk which may cause harm to the baby.

Younger Adults Population

Precaution

Warning: This medicine should not be used in children in less than 6 months old.

Older Adults Population

Precaution

Warning: Azithromycin Oral Suspension should not be given to elderly patients who cannot tolerate oral medicines. These patients are also at risk of arrhythmia.

Azithromycin Oral Suspension Side-effects

The following side-effects may commonly occur when using Azithromycin Oral Suspension Powder. If any of these side-effects worsen or last for a long time, you should consult with your doctor:

abdominal pain
decreased bicarbonate in the blood
diarrhea
increase in monocytes
increase in neutrophils
increase in white blood cells
increased basophils
low lymphocyte count
nausea
vomiting

The following side-effects may commonly occur in older patients on the use of Azithromycin Oral Suspension Powder. Discuss with your doctor if any of these side-effects last for a long time or are severe:

prolonged heartbeat (QT interval prolongation)

The following side-effects may commonly occur in children when using Azithromycin Oral Suspension Powder. Discuss with your doctor if any of these side-effects last for a long time or are severe:

Rarely, the use of Azithromycin Oral Suspension Powder may cause the following side-effects:

abnormal bleeding from the uterus (metrorrhagia)
abnormal involuntary muscular movement (hyperkinesia)
abnormal sensations in the body
abnormally low body weight (anorexia)
allergic reaction
anxiety (agitation)
back pain
black tarry stools (melena)
blisters on the skin
burping
chest pain
complications after any medical procedure
constipation
cough
decrease in red blood cells (anemia)
decrease in white blood cells (leukopenia)
decreased number of red blood cells in total blood volume (hematocrit)
decreased taste sensitivity
difficult urination
dizziness
drowsiness
dry mouth
dry skin
excessive sweating
expanded abdomen due to gas or fluid accumulation (abdominal distension)
facial swelling
fainting
fatigue
feeling of discomfort
feeling of fever like heat in menopause (hot flush)
fever
fluid build-up in the lining of the lungs and chest (pleural effusion)
fungal infection
gas formation (flatulence)
headache
hives
increased bicarbonate
increased blood urea
increased chloride
increased exposure to infections (bacterial, fungal, viral infection)
increased glucose
increased platelets
increased salivary secretion
indigestion (dyspepsia)
inflammation of the kidneys (nephritis)
inflammation of the lining of the stomach (gastritis)
inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose (rhinitis)
inflammation of the skin (dermatitis)
inflammation of the small intestine (enteritis)
inflammation of the throat (pharyngitis)
inflammation of the vagina (vaginitis)
inflammation or infection of the eyeball and eyelid (conjunctivitis)
insomnia
intestinal infection (gastroenteritis)
itchy skin rash (eczema)
jaundice
joint inflammation (osteoarthritis)
joint pain (arthralgia)
kidney pain
loss of sensitivity on touch (hypoaesthesia)
loss of taste and smell
mouth ulceration
muscle pain
neck pain
nervousness
pain
palpitations
rash
respiratory disorder
ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity)
severe itching
state of over-activeness (hyperactivity)
sweating
swelling from fluid accumulation in certain areas of the body
swelling of peripheral tissues due to an accumulation of fluid
testicular disorder
tingling sensation
tongue discoloration
vertigo
visual problem
vomiting
weakness
yeast infection (monilia)
yeast infection of the mouth (oral moniliasis)

The following severe side-effects may also occur when using Azithromycin Oral Suspension Powder:

Diarrhea

Symptoms: fever cramps

If this occurs, consult with the doctor.
Worsening of skeletal muscle weakness

Symptoms: muscle weakness breathing problems

If this happens, consult with the doctor.
Serious heart rhythm changes ((possibly) fatal)

Symptoms: palpitation, faintness dizziness

In case of serious heart rhythm changes, consult with the doctor.
Liver damage ((possibly) fatal)

Symptoms: vomiting, fever, loss of appetite, stomach pain, change in the color of stools, weakness, dark colored urine, unusual tiredness, abdominal pain, tenderness, yellowing of the skin or of the whites of the eyes, nausea itching

If this happens, discontinue the medicine and consult with the doctor.
Serious allergic and skin reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and drug-induced skin disease ((possibly) fatal)

Symptoms: trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling of the lips, swelling of the tongue, swelling of the face, throat tightness, abnormal voice changes (hoarseness), rapid heartbeat, faintness, skin rash (hives), new onset of fever swollen lymph nodes

In case of severe allergic reactions, discontinue the medicine and consult with the doctor.

Your doctor has prescribed this Azithromycin Oral Suspension because they have judged that the benefits outweigh the risks posed by side-effects. Many people using this medicine do not have serious side-effects. This is not a complete list of possible side-effects for Azithromycin Oral Suspension.

If you experience side-effects or notice other side-effects not listed above, contact your doctor for medical advice. You may also report side-effects to your local food and drug administration authority. You can look up the drug authority contact information from the Drug Authority Finder at TabletWise.com.

Side-effects and Allergic Reactions of Azithromycin Oral Suspension by Severity and Frequency

Common Side-effects

Following are the common side-effects of this medicine:

abdominal pain
decreased blood bicarbonate
diarrhea
increased basophils
increased monocytes
increased neutrophils
lymphocytopenia
nausea

Infrequent and Rare Side-effects

Following are the infrequent and rare side-effects of this medicine:

abdominal distension
agitation
allergic reaction
anemia
anorexia
arthralgia
asthenia
back pain
bacterial infection
burping
chest pain
conjunctivitis
constipation
cough
decreased hematocrit
dermatitis
dizziness
drowsiness
dry mouth
dry skin
dysgeusia
dyspepsia
dysuria
eczema
edema
enteritis
face edema
fatigue
fever
flatulence
fungal dermatitis
fungal infection
gastritis
gastroenteritis
headache
hot flush
hyperactivity
hyperhidrosis
hyperkinesia
hypoaesthesia
increased bicarbonate
increased blood urea
increased chloride
increased glucose
increased platelets
insomnia
jaundice
kidney pain
leukopenia
loss of taste and smell
malaise
melena
metrorrhagia
monilia
mouth ulceration
myalgia
neck pain
nephritis
nervousness
oral moniliasis
osteoarthritis
pain
palpitations
paraesthesia
peripheral edema
pharyngitis
photosensitivity
pleural effusion
post procedural complication
pruritus
rash
respiratory disorder
rhinitis
salivary hypersecretion
sweating
syncope
testicular disorder
tinnitus
tongue discoloration
urticaria
vaginitis
vertigo
vesiculobullous rash
visual problem
vomiting

Severe Side-effects

Following are the severe side-effects of this medicine:

DRESS syndrome
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
abnormal blood potassium level
abnormal liver function
abnormal sodium
aggressive reaction
anaphylaxis
angioedema
anxiety
arrhythmias
cholestatic jaundice
convulsions
dysphagia
dyspnoea
epistaxis
erythema multiforme
fatal drug-induced skin disease
hearing loss
hepatitis
hypotension
increased alanine aminotransferase
increased aspartate aminotransferase
increased blood alkaline phosphatase
increased blood bilirubin
increased blood creatinine
interstitial nephritis
kidney failure
liver failure
liver necrosis
neutropenia
oral candidiasis
pancreatitis
pneumonia
pseudomembranous colitis
pyloric stenosis
thrombocytopenia
ventricular tachycardia

Side-effects in Older Adults

Following are the side-effects of this medicine in elderly patients:

QT prolongation
torsades de pointes heart arrhythmias

Side-effects in Children

Following are the side-effects of this medicine in young patients:

abdominal pain
agitation
allergic reaction
anemia
anorexia
chest pain
conjunctivitis
constipation
cough
diarrhea
dizziness
dyspepsia
eczema
enteritis
face edema
fatigue
fever
flatulence
fungal dermatitis
fungal infection
gastritis
headache
hyperkinesia
insomnia
jaundice
leukopenia
malaise
nausea
nervousness
oral moniliasis
pain
pharyngitis
pleural effusion
pruritus
rash
rhinitis
sweating
urticaria
vesiculobullous rash
vomiting

Serious Allergic Reactions

Following are the symptoms of serious allergic reactions to this medicine:

faintness
fever
hoarseness
rapid heartbeat
skin rash
swelling of the face
swelling of the lips
swelling of the tongue
swollen lymph nodes
throat tightness
trouble breathing or swallowing

If you have any symptoms of serious side-effect, discontinue this medicine and consult with your doctor.

Warnings

Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria

Patients using Azithromycin Oral Suspension without confirmation of bacterial infections cannot get benefitted from this medicine. In these patients, the risk of development of drug-resistant bacteria increases. This medicine can be used only after confirmation of bacterial infection.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Patients with sexually transmitted infections like syphilis, urethritis or cervicitis are at increased risk when using this medicine. Patients with syphilis should not be dependent on the recommended dose of Azithromycin Oral Suspension. These patients should undergo blood testing before starting treatment of urethritis or cervicitis with this medicine.

Skeletal Muscle Weakness

Patients using this medicine are at increased risk by worsening the existing condition. This may lead to worsening and recurrence of skeletal muscle weakness.

Bacteria Associated Diarrhea (CDAD)

Patients using antibacterial agents are at increased risk of developing bacteria associated diarrhea (CDAD). Use of antimicrobial medicines results in overgrowth of bacteria (Clostridium difficile) in an intestine. Start an appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, use of protein supplements, antibiotic treatment of bacteria (C. difficile) and surgery is also needed after consultation with the doctor.

Liver Damage

Patients using this medicine are at increased risk of liver damage. These patients may report abnormal liver function, inflammation of the liver (hepatitis), decrease in the flow of liver secretions (cholestatic jaundice), liver cell injury (hepatic necrosis) and liver failure. Immediately stop taking this medicine if the symptoms of hepatitis occur.

Infants of up to 42 days

Use of this medicine increases risk in infants aged 42 days or less. Using Azithromycin Oral Suspension may cause a thickening of the opening between the stomach and intestine (Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis). The parents should contact the doctor if the child has irritability with feeding or if the infant is vomiting.

Allergy

Allergic patients are at increased risk when using this medicine. Serious allergic reactions, including swelling of the inner layer of skin, fatal allergy (anaphylaxis), and skin reactions can appear in these patients. If it occurs, this medicine should be discontinued.

Interactions with Azithromycin Oral Suspension

When two or more medicines are taken together, it can change how the medicines work and increase the risk of side-effects. In medical terms, this is called as a Drug Interaction.

This page does not contain all the possible interactions of Azithromycin Oral Suspension Powder. Share a list of all medicines that you use with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicines without the approval of your doctor.

Antacids

Azithromycin Oral Suspension Powder interacts with antacids, which are used to control the acid levels in the stomach. When these medicines are used in combination, it reduces the level of antacids in the blood. Take Azithromycin Oral Suspension at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking a dosage of antacids.

Anticoagulants

There may be an interaction of Azithromycin Oral Suspension with anticoagulants (warfarin), medicines that prevent the formation of blood clots. When Azithromycin Oral Suspension is used with anticoagulants, it may increase the blood clotting time. Patients undergoing treatment with both the drugs should be monitored for prothrombin time.

Nelfinavir

Azithromycin Oral Suspension Powder may interact with nelfinavir, which is a medicine used in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Nelfinavir increases the level of Azithromycin Oral Suspension in the body which may result in hearing problems and liver enzyme abnormalities. No dose adjustment of nelfinavir is required. Patients undergoing treatment with both the drugs should be monitored for side effects such as hearing problems and liver enzyme abnormalities.

Cisapride

Your doctor's guidelines may need to be followed while taking this medicine along with cisapride, which is used to treat symptoms of heartburn due to gastroesophageal reflux disease. When Azithromycin Oral Suspension is used with cisapride, it may increase the risk of abnormally rapid heart rhythms that occur in the heart and prolonged heartbeat (QT interval prolongation and torsades de pointes). Patients should avoid using both drugs in combination.

Ergotamine Derivatives

Special instructions need to be followed while taking this medicine along with ergotamine derivatives, which are medicines used to treat a migraine type headache. When Azithromycin Oral Suspension is used with ergotamine derivatives, it may result in a fungal disease of cereal grasses (ergotism). Patients should not take Azithromycin Oral Suspension and ergotamine derivatives in combination.

Zidovudine

Your doctor's guidelines may need to be followed while taking this medicine along with zidovudine, which is used to prevent and treat HIV related complications. When Azithromycin Oral Suspension is used with zidovudine, it increases the level of zidovudine in blood cells with a round nucleus (peripheral blood mononuclear cells). Patients should be cautious while using both medicines together.

Digoxin

Special instructions need to be followed while taking this medicine along with digoxin, which is used to treat various heart conditions. When Azithromycin Oral Suspension is used with digoxin, it increases the level of digoxin in the blood. Patients should take necessary precautions while taking both drugs in combination.

Cyclosporin

Azithromycin Oral Suspension Powder interacts with cyclosporin, which is used to prevent organ rejection in people who have received a heart, liver, or kidney transplant. When these medicines are used in combination, it increases the level of cyclosporin in the blood. Monitoring of cyclosporin levels and dose adjustment is required while using this combination.

Rifabutin

There may be an interaction of Azithromycin Oral Suspension with rifabutin, an antibiotic which is used for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB). When Azithromycin Oral Suspension is used with rifabutin, it may result in a decreased number of white blood cells (neutropenia). Patients should take necessary precautions while taking both drugs in combination.

Atorvastatin

Azithromycin Oral Suspension Powder may interact with atorvastatin, which is used to lower the levels of cholesterol in the blood. When Azithromycin Oral Suspension is used with atorvastatin, it may increase the chances of the breakdown of muscle tissues (rhabdomyolysis). Patients should take necessary precautions while taking both drugs in combination.

Fluconazole

There may be an interaction of Azithromycin Oral Suspension with fluconazole, which is used to prevent and treat fungal infections. When Azithromycin Oral Suspension is used with fluconazole, it decreases the level of Azithromycin Oral Suspension level in the blood. Patients should take necessary precautions while taking both drugs in combination.

Colchicine

Azithromycin Oral Suspension Powder may interact with colchicine, which is used to treat red, painful, hot, and swollen joints (gout). When Azithromycin Oral Suspension is used with colchicine, it increases the colchicine level in the blood. Patients should take necessary precautions while taking both drugs in combination.

Interactions of Azithromycin Oral Suspension by Severity

Severe

The following medicines are usually not to be taken together without consulting with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious

The following medicines may interact when taken together and can cause harmful effects in the body. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking these medicines together.

Moderate

The following medicines may interact when taken together and can increase your risk of harmful effects. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking these medicines together.

When should Azithromycin Oral Suspension be not used?

Allergy to Azithromycin Oral Suspension

This medicine is not recommended in patients with known allergy to Azithromycin Oral Suspension, ketolide, erythromycin or any macrolide drug. These patients may have the following symptoms if they use this medicine:

swelling of the lower layer of skin, fatal allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), skin reaction to a medicine or an infection (Stevens-Johnson syndrome), and fatal drug-induced skin disease

Abnormal Liver Function (Hepatic Dysfunction)

This medicine should not be used in patients with abnormal liver function, inflammation of the liver, decrease in bile flow from the liver to the duodenum (cholestatic jaundice) and liver failure. Use of Azithromycin Oral Suspension in these patients is possibly fatal.

Traveling With Medication

Ensure that you carry enough doses of each of your prescription medicines to last the entire trip. The best place to store your medicines is in the carry on baggage. However, while flying, if carrying liquid medicines, make sure you do not go over the limits imposed for carry-on liquids.
While traveling overseas, make sure that you can carry each of your prescription medicines legally to your destination country. One way to ensure this is by checking with your destination country's embassy or website.
Make sure that you carry each of your medicines in their original packaging, which should typically include your name and address, and the details of the prescribing doctor.
If your travel involves crossing time zones, and you are required to take your medicine as per a fixed schedule, make sure that you adjust for the change in time.

Expired Medication

Taking a single dose of expired Azithromycin Oral Suspension is unlikely to cause a side-effect. However, please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, if you feel unwell or sick. An expired medicine may become ineffective in treating your prescribed conditions. To be on the safe side, it is important not to use an expired drug. You are much safer by always keeping a fresh supply of unexpired medicines.

Safe Disposal of Medication

If there are disposal instructions on the package, please follow the instructions.
If there are medicine take-back programs in your country, you should contact the respective authority to arrange for the disposal of the medicine. For example, in the USA, the Drug Enforcement Administration regularly hosts National Prescription Drug Take-Back events.
If there are no take-back programs, mix the medicine with dirt and place them in a sealed plastic bag. Throw the plastic bag in your household trash. Separately, remove all personal information including the prescription label from the medicine packaging and then dispose off the container.
If specifically indicated on the medicine package that it needs to be flushed down the toilet when no longer needed, perform the required step.

This page provides information for Azithromycin Oral Suspension Powder .

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