This medication is an antibiotic (macrolide type) used to treat lung infection (pneumonia) or female pelvic infections (e.g., PID) caused by bacteria.

This antibiotic only treats bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

OTHER USES: This drug may also be used for other types of bacterial infections.

This medication is given by vein (IV), slowly over at least 60 minutes, once a day. You will receive this medication by vein until you are able to take an oral dosage form. Dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

Follow all instructions for proper mixing, dilution, and administration. Consult your pharmacist if you are unclear on any instructions for use.

Just prior to use, check finished product visually for particles or discoloration. If present, do not use the liquid.

Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. This is done by using the medication at evenly spaced intervals.

Continue this medication until the fully prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, resulting in a relapse of the infection.

Nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain or pain/redness at the injection site may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.

Unlikely but report promptly: loss of appetite, white patches in mouth, unusual vaginal itching or discharge.

Very unlikely but report promptly: fast or irregular heartbeat, seizures, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, changes in amount of urine, ringing in ears, hearing loss, unusual weakness or tiredness.

In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this medication, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.

If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies (especially to macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin or clarithromycin), heart problems, kidney problems, kidney disease, liver disease.

This medication contains sodium. Consult your doctor for more information if you are on a salt-restricted diet or if your condition could be worsened with an increase in salt intake (e.g., congestive heart failure).

Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., mouth, bladder or vaginal yeast infection).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this drug.

It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: digoxin, live vaccines, lovastatin, nelfinavir, warfarin.

This medication may decrease the effectiveness of combination-type birth control pills. This can result in pregnancy. You may need to use an additional form of reliable birth control while using this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.

Other drugs besides azithromycin which may affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation in the EKG) include dofetilide, pimozide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, and sparfloxacin among others. QTc prolongation can infrequently result in serious, rarely fatal, irregular heartbeats. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. Ask for instructions about whether you need to stop any other QTc-prolonging drugs you may be using in order to minimize the risk of this effect.

Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

If the dose is missed, contact your doctor immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.

Store between 41-86 degrees F (5-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Discard after 10 days. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.