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This medication is used to treat certain eye infections. It is a macrolide antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
This medication treats only bacterial eye infections. It will not work for other types of eye infections. Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.
How to use azithromycin Opht
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using azithromycin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.
Do not wear contact lenses while you are using this medicine or while you have the bacterial eye infection. Sterilize contact lenses according to manufacturer\'s directions, and check with your doctor before you begin using them again.
If you are using this medication for the first time, hold the dropper upright and remove the cap. This will release any extra pressure in the dropper. Put the cap back on before shaking the dropper.
Before each use, hold the dropper upside down and shake once. With the dropper still upside down, remove the cap. Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place 1 drop into the pouch, usually twice daily (8 to 12 hours apart) for the first 2 days and then once daily for the next 5 days or as directed by your doctor. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed.
If you are using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), wait at least 5 to 10 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day. Continue using it for the full time prescribed. Stopping the medication too soon may result in a return of the infection.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Temporary eye irritation/stinging/burning or blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: vision changes, eye pain.
Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in other types of eye infections, including fungal infections. Contact your doctor if you notice new or worsening eye symptoms.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Before using azithromycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin or clarithromycin; or to ketolide antibiotics such as telithromycin; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: other eye problems.
After you apply this drug, your vision may become temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether azithromycin passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.
Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing or overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES:
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Throw away the unused portion after treatment is completed or after 14 days (see also Storage section). Do not use it later for another infection unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in that case.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE:
Refrigerate the unopened bottle at 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C). Store the opened bottle between 36-77 degrees F (2-25 degrees C) away from heat. Do not freeze. The medication expires 14 days after the bottle is opened. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Information last revised July 2012. Copyright(c) 2012 First Databank, Inc.
