What is Azithromycin ophthalmic?
Azithromycin ophthalmic (for the eyes) is a macrolide antibiotic that fights bacteria.
Azithromycin ophthalmic is used to treat eye infections caused by bacteria.
Azithromycin ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Azithromycin ophthalmic?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to azithromycin.
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Serious side effects of azithromycin ophthalmic 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.
Keep using this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared.
Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using azithromycin ophthalmic 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.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Azithromycin ophthalmic?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to azithromycin.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. 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.
Azithromycin ophthalmic Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Azithromycin ophthalmic?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
- drainage or crusting of your eye
- severe irritation after using the eye drops
- feeling like there is something in your eye
- watery eyes, increased light sensitivity
- eye redness or swelling; or
- any signs of a new infection
Less serious side effects may include:
- stuffy nose; or
- mild stinging, burning, or irritation of your eyes
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Azithromycin ophthalmic Interactions
What other drugs affect Azithromycin ophthalmic?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on azithromycin ophthalmic. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Azithromycin ophthalmic?
Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using azithromycin ophthalmic 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.
Azithromycin ophthalmic Dosage
How should I take Azithromycin ophthalmic?
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
To apply the eye drops:
- Turn the bottle upside down and shake it once before each use. Take the cap off while bottle is still upside down
- Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye
- Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct. Do not use more than 1 drop unless your doctor tells you to
- Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye
Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared.
Store the unopened bottle of azithromycin ophthalmic in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
After opening the bottle, you may keep the medication at room temperature for up to 14 days. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use, and protect from moisture and heat.
What happens if I overdose on Azithromycin ophthalmic?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
An overdose of azithromycin ophthalmic is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms.
What happens if I miss a dose of Azithromycin ophthalmic?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Edited from everydayhealth.com