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Novo-Azithromycin

(azithromycin)

In this factsheet:
• How does Novo-Azithromycin work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Novo-Azithromycin?
• What form(s) does Novo-Azithromycin come in?
• Who should NOT take Novo-Azithromycin?
• What side effects are possible with Novo-Azithromycin?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Novo-Azithromycin?
• What other drugs could interact with Novo-Azithromycin?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Novo-Azithromycin work? What will it do for me?

Azithromycin belongs to the family of medications known as macrolide antibiotics. It is used to treat certain types of infections that are caused by bacteria. It is most commonly used to treat ear infections (e.g., otitis media), throat infections, lung infections (e.g., pneumonia), and skin infections. It can also be used to prevent mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infections in people with HIV infection.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Novo-Azithromycin?

The recommended adult dose of azithromycin for treatment of lung and skin infections is two 250 mg tablets taken on the first day followed by one 250 mg tablet taken at the same time each day for 4 more days. The usual dose for prevention of mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infections in persons with HIV infection is 1,200 mg taken once weekly.

The children's dose of azithromycin (liquid suspension) is based on body weight. When used to treat otitis media (middle ear infection) in children, a course of treatment shorter than 5 days may be used (either 3 days or 1 day, depending on the dose used).

Doses of azithromycin for treatment of other conditions vary according to the condition being treated.

The medication may be taken with or without food. Taking the medication with food may help to avoid stomach upset.

Azithromycin may also be given by injection to treat severe pneumonia or pelvic inflammatory disease. It is usually given in a hospital setting by a health professional. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose of this medication.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones given here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is very important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Finish all of this medication, even if you start to feel better. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Keep this medication out of reach of children.

This medication is available under multiple brand names and in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms listed here. The forms available for the specific brand you have searched are listed under "What form(s) does this medication come in?"

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Novo-Azithromycin come in?

Tablet
Each pink, modified capsular-shaped, film-coated tablet, engraved "N" on one side and "250" on the other side, contains azithromycin monohydrate hemiethanolate equivalent to azithromycin 250 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: butylated hydroxytoluene powder, calcium phosphate (dibasic) anhydrous, colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, D&C Red No. 27, FD&C Blue No. 2, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 6, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, polydextrose, polyethylene glycol, pregelatinized corn starch, propyl gallate, sodium lauryl sulfate, talc, titanium dioxide, triacetin, and triethyl citrate.

Powder for Oral Suspension

100 mg/5 mL
After reconstitution, each bottle of cherry/banana/vanilla flavoured oral suspension contains azithromycin monohydrate hemiethanolate equivalent to 300 mg per 15 mL (100 mg/5 mL) azithromycin. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal anhydrous silica, flavour cherry/banana/vanilla powder, hydroxypropyl cellulose, sodium phosphate tribasic 12-hydrate, sucrose, sucrose caster, and xanthan gum.

200 mg/5 mL
After reconstitution, each bottle of cherry/banana/vanilla flavoured oral suspension contains azithromycin monohydrate hemiethanolate equivalent to 600 mg per 15 mL (200 mg/5 mL) or 900 mg per 22.5 mL (200 mg/5 mL) azithromycin. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal anhydrous silica, flavour cherry/banana/vanilla powder, hydroxypropyl cellulose, sodium phosphate tribasic 12-hydrate, sucrose, sucrose caster, and xanthan gum.

Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.

Who should NOT take Novo-Azithromycin?

Azithromycin should not be taken by anyone who is allergic to azithromycin, erythromycin, other macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin), or to any of the ingredients of the medication.

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