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Azithromycin ophthalmic solution is a macrolide antibiotic that is used primarily in treating bacterial conjunctivitis.

This product is available in solution.

Tell to your doctor if you are allergic to Azithromycin ophthalmic solution or to any other medications.

You should also inform your healthcare providers if you are allergic to foods, dyes, or animals.

Studies have shown that the use of this medication has not demonstrated problems in children and elderlies. However, safety and effectiveness have not been established in children younger than 1 year of age.

Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication as drug interaction may occur when two or more drugs are being taken at the same time.

Follow your doctor's exact instructions on when and how to take this medication. Excessive use of this medication is not recommended. This medication is not for long-term use.

Directions to use eye drops:

Wash your hands before using this medication. Shake it before putting the medicine in your eye. Look up to the ceiling with both eyes. While tilting your head back, pull your eyelid down with one hand. Hold the bottle in your other hand. Place one eye drop inside your lower lid and gently close the eye. Keep the eye closed for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to be absorbed. Do not blink. Wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them immediately after using the eye drops.

Recommended dosage for bacterial conjunctivitis:

• Adults, teenagers, and children 1 year of age and older—Put one drop in the affected eye(s) twice a day for 2 days, with each dose being at least 8 to 12 hours apart. Then, put one drop in the affected eye(s) once a day for the next 5 days.
• Children younger than 1 year of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is near for your next dose, skip the missed dose and start again to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Once you opened the medication, you may store it in the refrigerator or in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light for up to 14 days. Do not keep expired medications.

Check with your doctor if your eye infection does not improve within a few days, or if it becomes worse.

Check with your doctor if you experience symptoms of allergic reactions.

If any serious skin reactions occur, stop using this medication and check with your doctor right away.

You should not wear contact lenses while you are using this medicine to avoid further eye irritation.

If any of the following side effects occur, check with your doctor right away:

• Burning, redness, stinging, or other eye irritation
• Blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin
• Blurred vision
• Cough
• Decreased vision
• Discharge from the eye
• Fever
• Headache
• Hives or welts
• Itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin
• Pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
• Painful irritation of the clear front part of the eye
• Shortness of breath or troubled breathing
• Skin rash
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Swelling of the face
• Swelling or puffiness of the eyes
• Tightness of the chest or wheezing

Less serious side effects:

• Change in taste
• dry eyes
• loss of taste

Not all side effects are listed above.

If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.