Azithromycin by Greenstone LLC

Azithromycin

Trade Names:

Zithromax®

A macrolide antibiotic used to treat many bacterial infections in dogs and cats (ex. dermatological infections). Azithromycin is available as 250 mg and 600 mg tablets or as an oral suspension.

• A relatively broad spectrum macrolide antibiotic
• Given by mouth

• Useful to treat a variety of bacterial infections in dogs and cats

• Pets known to have had an allergic reaction to macrolide antibiotics
• Use with caution in pets with liver disease
• Breeding, pregnant and nursing animals (safety is unknown)

For liquids, shake well before accurately measuring the dose.

If using the suspension, give on empty stomach.

Give medication as directed by your veterinarian. This medication is usually given once or twice daily.

Read and follow the label carefully.

Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed. Missed doses reduce the effectiveness of therapy.

Give this medication for as long as your veterinarian directs. Finish the entire course of treatment.

Ideally, give the medication at the same time daily.

If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.

Talk to your veterinarian about:

• When will your pet need to be rechecked
• What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
• Risks and benefits of using this drug

Tell your veterinarian about:

• If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
• If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
• If your pet has experienced liver disease now or ever
• If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
• All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet's medicines can be given together.
• If your pet is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your pet

Store unmixed oral suspension and tablets in tight, childproof containers in a dry place at room temperature. After reconstitution, multiple dose bottles should be stored at room temperature for up to 10 days and then discarded. Single dose packets should be given immediately after mixing.

Do not refrigerate oral suspension. Shake well before use.

Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets. Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.

Pet owners allergic to macrolides and/or other antibiotics should avoid handling this drug.

• Vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Contact veterinarian if pet experiences severe vomiting or diarrhea.
• Liver damage (signs include yellowing of gums, skin and/or eyes)
• It is important to stop therapy and contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your pet has a medical problem or side effect from this product's therapy

• Yes, but possible interactions may occur with cisapride, cyclosporine, oral antacids and pimozide.
• If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian

Contact your veterinarian immediately if pet eats more than the prescribed amount.

Notify your veterinarian if your animal's condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.

As with all prescribed medicines, azithromycin should only be given to the dog/cat for which it was prescribed. It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed.

This is just a summary of information about azithromycin. If you have any questions or concerns about azithromycin or for the condition it was prescribed, contact your veterinarian.

Azithromycin
(Zithromax)

Common Drug Name
Azithromycin

Common Brand Names
Zithromax
No generic products are available.

Storage
Store at room temperature in a tight, light resistant, childproof container. Do not store above 86°F. Once the human-label oral suspension is reconstituted (the powder is mixed with water), store at room temperature (do not refrigerate) and use within 10 days.

Uses
Azithromycin is an antibiotic of the macrolide class, used to treat susceptible bacterial infections in dogs, cats, and rabbits.

Dose and Administration
Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian.
Shake oral suspension well before use. It is best to give the suspension on an empty stomach.
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give 2 doses at once.
This medication should only be given to the pet for whom it was prescribed.

Possible Side Effects
The most common side effects, especially with high doses, are vomiting and diarrhea. May have the potential of causing liver damage, which could result in jaundice (yellowing of the gums, skin, or eyes).
If your pet experiences an allergic reaction to the medication, signs may include facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Precautions
Not for use in animals hypersensitive (allergic) to it or drugs similar to it or other macrolide antibiotics.
Consult your veterinarian if the animal’s condition worsens after beginning treatment with azithromycin.
Use with caution in animals with liver disease.
The safety of the medication in pregnant and lactating animals (female animals nursing their young) has not been determined.
Consult with your veterinarian regarding the physical examinations and laboratory testing necessary prior to and during treatment with azithromycin.

Drug, Food, and Test Interactions
Consult your veterinarian before using azithromycin with vitamins, supplements, cisapride, cyclosporine, and oral antacids, since interactions may occur. 
No known food interactions.

Signs of Toxicity/Overdose
May see serious vomiting or diarrhea. 
If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, or if you observe these signs in your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children and pets.

This information may not cover all possible uses, directions, side effects, precautions, allergic reactions, drug interactions, or withdrawal times.  Always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet.