About azithromycin as dihydrate
Macrolide antibiotic
Used for
- Treats susceptible bacterial infections, including pneumonia and other serious respiratory infections.
- May be used when oral treatment is unsuitable, according to local guidance.
Usual adult dose
Usually 500 mg intravenously once daily; duration depends on infection and is often followed by oral treatment.
Common side effects
- Diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, or vomiting
- Infusion-site pain or inflammation
- Liver-enzyme changes
- Heart-rhythm changes, including QT prolongation
Important warnings
- Use only for bacterial infections; it does not treat viral illnesses.
- Can rarely cause severe allergic reactions or serious liver injury.
- May prolong the QT interval and trigger dangerous heart rhythms.
- Intravenous use should be prepared and administered by healthcare professionals.
Pregnancy
Use when clearly needed; pregnancy-specific risks and benefits should be assessed by a clinician.
Breastfeeding
Azithromycin enters breast milk. Monitor the infant for diarrhea, vomiting, or rash.
Interactions
- Warfarin: may increase bleeding risk; monitoring may be needed.
- QT-prolonging medicines: may increase risk of serious abnormal heart rhythms.
- Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium can affect oral azithromycin; this is not relevant to infusion.
- Some medicines that affect liver enzymes or transporters may alter azithromycin effects.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.