Indications

Antibiotic

Contraindication

Known hypersensitivity to azithromycin, erythromycin, any macrolide or ketolide antibiotic. Coadministration w/ pimozide. History of cholestatic jaundice/hepatic dysfunction associated w/ prior use of azithromycin.

Special Precautions

May increase the risk of torsades de pointes and fatal heart arrhythmias in patients w/ prolonged QT interval, low K or Mg blood levels, slow heart rate and medication treating abnormal heart rhythms. Impaired hepatic and renal function. Pregnancy and lactation. Monitoring Parameters Liver function tests, CBC w/ differential.

Side Effects

GI disturbances, visual impairment and irritation; deafness, dizziness, headache, fatigue, anorexia, paraesthesia, dysgeusia, nasal congestion, sinusitis, facial swelling, periocular swelling, pruritus, rash, urticaria, arthralgia, vaginitis; inj site pain, inflammation; decreased lymphocyte count and blood bicarbonate, increased eosinophil count, transaminase levels and/or alkaline phosphatase levels.

Drug Interactions

Increases serum concentrations of digoxin, ciclosporin, terfenadine, hexobarbital and phenytoin. Decreased rate of absorption w/ antacids containing aluminium and magnesium. Increased risk of ergot toxicity.

Route of Administration

Oral

Dosage

As directed by the physician