Azithromycin ophthalmic

(az ith roe mye' sin)

Brand Name(s): Azasite^®

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Azithromycin ophthalmic is used to treat certain bacterial infections of the eye. Azithromycin ophthalmic is in a class of medications called macrolide antibiotics. It works by slowing the growth of bacteria that cause infections.

Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

HOW should this medicine be used?

Azithromycin ophthalmic comes as a solution (liquid) to instill in the eyes. It is usually placed in the infected eye(s) twice daily (about 8 to 12 hours apart) for 2 days and then once daily for the next 5 days. Use azithromycin ophthalmic around the same times each day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use azithromycin ophthalmic exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

You should begin to feel better during the first few days of treatment with azithromycin ophthalmic. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, call your doctor.

Use azithromycin ophthalmic until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop using azithromycin ophthalmic too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.

To use the eye drops follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water
2. Turn the bottle upside down and shake once
3. Remove the tan cap of the bottle
4. Tilt the head back and with bottle still upside down, squeeze bottle to instill 1 drop into the eye(s)

Do not allow the tip of the bottle to touch your eye or touching with your finger or anything else. If the tip does touch another surface, bacteria may get into the eye drops. Using eye drops that are contaminated with bacteria may cause serious damage to the eye or loss of vision. If you think your eye drops have become contaminated, call your doctor or pharmacist.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before using azithromycin ophthalmic,

Avoid wearing contact lens until the infection has resolved.

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in azithromycin ophthalmic. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.

• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.

• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using azithromycin ophthalmic, call your doctor.

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?

Instill the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not instill a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

Azithromycin ophthalmic may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• eye irritation

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• facial swelling, hives, rash, itching

Azithromycin ophthalmic may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store the bottle in the refrigerator until time to use. Once opened, store at room temperature for 14 days and then throw away any you haven't used.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the azithromycin ophthalmic, call your doctor.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS^® Patient Medication Information™. © Copyright, 2025. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists^®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: October 20, 2024.