What is most important to remember? If you have questions: Strong Internal Medicine • Take azithromycin (Zithromax®) at the same times each day, at Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for evenly spaced intervals. more information about azithromycin (Zithromax®). • Take until you finish the medicine, even if you are feeling better

• Do not start any new medicines, over-the-counter drugs or herbal remedies without talking to your doctor

• Tell all doctors, dentists and pharmacists that you are using azithromycin (Zithromax®)

• This medicine will not treat a viral Strong Internal Medicine infection such as the common 601 Elmwood Avenue th cold or flu Ambulatory Care Facility, 5 Floor Rochester, NY 14642 Phone: (585) 275 -7424

Visit our website at: Azithromycin (Zithromax®): www.urmc.rochester.edu/medicine/ - general-medicine/patientcare/ Important Patient Information

What does azithromycin (Zithromax®) do? What side effects could occur with What are some things that I need to be aware • Azithromycin is an antibiotic used to stop or azithromycin (Zithromax®)? of when taking azithromycin (Zithromax®)? treat bacterial infections • Upset stomach or throwing up • Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to azithromycin, other medicines, How should azithromycin (Zithromax®) be • Diarrhea used? foods, or substances • Heartburn or stomach pain • Tell your doctor if you have turned yellow or • Use this medicine as directed by your doctor • Headache had liver side effects with this medicine • Take at the same time each day. To gain the What should I do if I forget to take before most benefit, do not miss doses of this azithromycin (Zithromax®)? medicine • Before using this medicine, tell your doctor or • Take the missed dose as soon as you think pharmacist your medical history, especially • Take until you finish the medicine, even if you about it liver disease, kidney disease, and a certain are feeling better • If it is almost time for your next dose skip the muscle disease called myasthenia gravis • Take on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour missed dose and go back to your normal • If you have a heart problem called congenital before or 2 hours after a meal) dose time QT syndrome, talk with your doctor. QT Who should know I am taking azithromycin • Do not take 2 doses at once or extra doses prolongation can result in serious, fast or (Zithromax®)? irregular heartbeat and other symptoms such Are there any interactions with other drugs • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, as severe dizziness, or fainting that need that I need to worry about? natural products, supplements, vitamins, medical attention right away • There are many drug interactions that may over-the-counter) and give it to your • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to increase your risk of side effects healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. You • Do not start new prescriptions, over-the- practitioner, pharmacist, or physician will need to talk about the benefits and risks assistant) counter medicines, or herbal and dietary of using this medicine supplements without telling your doctor • Be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist if • you should use additional reliable birth If you have any of the following side effects, call your doctor or visit the emergency room control methods while using this antibiotic immediately: • If you take antacids (such as Mylanta, • A fast, pounding, irregular heartbeat • If you experience symptoms of a Maalox) take them 2 hours before or 4 hours • Dizziness or fainting serious allergic reaction including: after you take azithromycin. These antacids rash, hives, itching; wheezing or • Severe upset stomach or vomiting can make azithromycin less effective when difficulty breathing or swallowing; taken at the same time • Very bad stomach pain selling of face, lips, tongue, or throat • Store tablets in a cool, dry place. Do not • Severe diarrhea (watery or bloody • Yellowing of skin or eyes keep in the bathroom stools) • Unusual muscle weakness • Keep away from children and pets • Blisters or peeling skin