AzaSite

Generic name: Azithromycin Ophthalmic
Drug class: Ophthalmic anti-infectives

Usage of AzaSite

AzaSite is an eye drop containing azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic that fights bacteria.

AzaSite is used to treat eye infections caused by bacteria.

AzaSite may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

AzaSite side effects

Stop using this medicine and get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to AzaSite (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Call your doctor at once if you have:

drainage or crusting of your eye;

severe burning, stinging, itching, or other irritation after using the eye drops;

feeling like something is in your eye;

changes to the surface of your eye;

eye pain or swelling;

eyelid irritation; or

any signs of a new infection.

Common AzaSite side effects may include:

eye irritation;

dry or itchy eyes;

blurred vision;

stuffy nose; or

changes in your sense of taste.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking AzaSite

You should not use AzaSite if you are allergic to azithromycin (Zithromax).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether azithromycin ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

AzaSite should not be used in a child younger than 1 year old.

Relate drugs

How to use AzaSite

Usual Adult Dose for Bacterial Conjunctivitis:

Days 1 and 2: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) twice a day, 8 to 12 hours apart. Days 3 through 7: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) once a day.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Bacterial Conjunctivitis:

1 year or older: -Days 1 and 2: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) twice a day, 8 to 12 hours apart. -Days 3 through 7: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye(s) once a day. Use: For the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis due to susceptible isolates of CDC coryneform group G, H influenzae, S aureus, S mitis group, S pneumoniae

Warnings

Use AzaSite for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared.

Stop using AzaSite and get emergency medical help if you have any signs of a rare but serious reaction: fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Do not use this medication while wearing contact lenses. AzaSite may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using AzaSite before putting your contact lenses in.

You should not wear contact lenses while you still have active symptoms of the eye infection you are treating.

Serious side effects of AzaSite may include eye drainage or crusting, severe eye irritation, feeling like there is something in your eye, watery eyes, increased light sensitivity, eye redness or swelling, any signs of new infection.

What other drugs will affect AzaSite

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com'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.

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