Azithromycin is in a group of drugs called macrolide antibiotics. Azithromycin fights bacteria in the body.

Azithromycin is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria, such as respiratory infections, skin infections, ear infections, and sexually transmitted diseases.

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

You should not use this medication if you have ever had jaundice or liver problems caused by taking azithromycin. You should not use azithromycin if you are allergic to it or to similar drugs such as erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, E.E.S.), clarithromycin (Biaxin), telithromycin (Ketek), or troleandomycin (Tao).

There are many other medicines that can interact with azithromycin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.

Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Azithromycin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Do not take antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium within 2 hours before or after you take azithromycin. This includes Rolaids, Maalox, Mylanta, Milk of Magnesia, Pepcid Complete, and others. These antacids can make azithromycin less effective when taken at the same time.

You should not use this medication if you have ever had jaundice or liver problems caused by taking azithromycin. You should not use azithromycin if you are allergic to it or to similar drugs such as erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, E.E.S.), clarithromycin (Biaxin), telithromycin (Ketek), or troleandomycin (Tao).

To make sure you can safely take azithromycin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• liver disease;

• kidney disease;

• myasthenia gravis;

• a heart rhythm disorder; or

• a history of Long QT syndrome.

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 passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.