Azithromycin is an antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis (infection of the membranes covering the white part of the eyes which causes redness of the eye and discharge).
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Instil Azithromycin eye drop solution in the affected eye(s) exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use it more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Azithromycin eye drop solution is available as a single-dose container and multi-dose bottle.
To use the eye drop solution, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before using the eye drops.
- Tilt your head slightly backwards. With the index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Look upward and instil the required number of drops inside the lower eyelid.
- Close your eye and do not blink for a few seconds.
- Wipe any excess liquid from your face with a clean tissue.
- Replace and tighten the cap of the multi-dose bottle immediately after use. If you are using a single-dose container, throw away the container after use.
Do not allow the tip of the dropper of this medicine to touch your eyes, eyelids, or any other surface. If the eye drop becomes contaminated, it could cause a further infection in your eyes.
If you have been given any other eye drops or medicines to be used together with Azithromycin, use the other eye medications first and wait for at least 15 minutes before using Azithromycin.
Do not share your eye drops with anyone else.
Do not wear contact lenses during treatment.
Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your infection and response to the medication.
Use Azithromycin at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Instil the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose to make up for a missed dose.
If you often forget to instil your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not use Azithromycin if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or similar medicines such as erythromycin or clarithromycin.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Azithromycin to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Azithromycin may cause your vision to be temporarily blurred. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: sticky eye, stinging, itching and burning sensation in the eye.
If you develop rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor immediately. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
If you are using the single-dose eye drops, store the container below 25°C. Discard immediately after use.
If you are using the multi-dose eye drops, store the unopened bottle in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. After opening, you may store the bottle between 2-25°C. Throw away any remaining eye drops 14 days after opening. Mark the date of opening on the eye drop bottle so that you know when to discard it.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.