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DRUG DESCRIPTION
AzaSite (azithromycin ophthalmic solution) is a 1% sterile aqueous topical ophthalmic solution of azithromycin formulated in DuraSite® (polycarbophil, edetate disodium, sodium chloride). AzaSite (azithromycin ophthalmic solution) is an off-white, viscous liquid with an osmolality of approximately 290 mOsm/kg.
Preservative: 0.003% benzalkonium chloride. Inactives: mannitol, citric acid, sodium citrate, poloxamer 407, polycarbophil, edetate disodium (EDTA), sodium chloride, water for injection, and sodium hydroxide to adjust pH to 6.3.
Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic with a 15-membered ring. Its chemical name is(2R,3S,4R,5R,8R,10R,HR,12S,13S,14R)-13-[(2,6-dideoxy-3-C-methyl-3-O-methyl-?-L-ribo-hexopyranosyl)oxy]-2-ethyl-3,4,10-trihydroxy-3,5,6,8,10,12,14-heptamethyl-11-[[3,4,6-trideoxy-3-(dimethylamino)-?-D-xylo-hexopyranosyl]oxy]-l-oxa-6-aza-cyclopentadecan-15-one, and the structural formula is:
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Azithromycin has a molecular weight of 749, and its empirical formula is C38H72N2O12.
What are the possible side effects of azithromycin ophthalmic (AzaSite)?
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...
Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Azasite »
What are the precautions when taking azithromycin ophthalmic solution (Azasite)?
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...
Read All Potential Precautions of Azasite »
Azasite Consumer (continued)
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.
PRECAUTIONS: 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.
Azasite Patient Information Including Side Effects
Brand Names: AzaSite
Generic Name: azithromycin ophthalmic (Pronunciation: a ZITH roe MYE sin off THAL mik)
- What is azithromycin ophthalmic (Azasite)?
- What are the possible side effects of azithromycin ophthalmic (Azasite)?
- What is the most important information I should know about azithromycin ophthalmic (Azasite)?
- What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking azithromycin ophthalmic (Azasite)?
- How should I use azithromycin ophthalmic (Azasite)?
- What happens if I miss a dose (Azasite)?
- What happens if I overdose (Azasite)?
- What should I avoid while taking azithromycin ophthalmic (Azasite)?
- What other drugs will affect azithromycin ophthalmic (Azasite)?
- Where can I get more information?
What is azithromycin ophthalmic (Azasite)?
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 are the possible side effects of azithromycin ophthalmic (Azasite)?
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.
What is the most important information I should know about azithromycin ophthalmic (Azasite)?
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.
- Azasite
Related Drugs Index:
Azithromycin, Ophthalmic, Solution, Azasite, Buy Azasite